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TIPS ON HOW TO COMPLETE A SUCCESSFUL JOB APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE FOR LANE COUNTY

1.  The majority of regular, seasonal and some extra-help positions (full- or part-time) require the completion of both an Application for Employment and a Supplemental Questionnaire.

2.  Read over the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire carefully. Determine if you are or are not qualified to apply for the job. It is very important that you demonstrate how you qualify. For example, if the position you are applying for indicates that the candidate must be able to type at least 45 words per minute and you indicate a typing speed less than that requirement or leave the typing speed question blank on your application, you will not progress further in the selection process.

3.  Your Application and Supplemental Questionnaire must be received by LaneCounty Human Resources no later than 5:00 PM on the closing date. Postmarks are not accepted. We do not fax or accept faxed application materials.

4. On the application form, write in the position for which you are applying and the posting number AND:

• List your full name and mailing address, including your city, state and zip code.
• Don’t forget your social security number.
• If something doesn’t apply to you, write "N/A" in the space.
• List the position held where the application asks for it.
• DO NOT say "see résumé" where the application asks for a description of your job duties.
• Don’t forget to check either the full or part-time boxes and fill in dates of employment, supervisor, and contact information.
• Remember to list references – these should be different than former supervisors that you list on the Application.
• Be sure to sign and date your application if submitting a hard copy or type yes where asked if submitting on line.
• You may provide us with a photocopy of your application form, however it must have the correct position and posting number listed, as well as an original signature and the current date on the reverse. Also, when photocopying, be sure that you don’t run the backside upside down.

5. On the supplemental questionnaire:

• The Supplemental Questionnaire is the tool used for the second level of screening. This process is designed specifically to assess an individual’s skills and abilities as they relate to the position and recruiting department.
• List your name, complete mailing address including zip code, and the date.
• On the following pages, fill in every blank, answer every question and don’t forget to complete the employer/title/dates information, if asked.
• Read the questions carefully before you answer. If you are asked to list experience that covers a certain number of years, be certain that you have that number of years in your employment history.
• Answer every question completely. Provide as much relevant information as possible, without omitting any pertinent details about your experience.
• Don’t leave any questions unanswered. If a question doesn’t pertain to you, write "N/A" in the space provided.

A note about the Affirmative Action questionnaire

Although providing this information is voluntary, it helps us comply with mandated federal reporting regulations if you complete the Affirmative Action questionnaire at the end of the application. The information provided on this form is confidential and is entered onto our system for reporting purposes only. The information you provide on the Affirmative Action page is removed prior to any screening.

What works against you in the screening process and may be the basis for disqualification of your application.

• Incomplete answers, spaces left blank, no references, lack of signature on the application or supplemental, inconsistent employment records, lack of verifiable data (for instance, you only listed one or two jobs, going back one or two years, when the application asks you to list all jobs within the last 10 years), saying "see résumé", in lieu of writing out your job experience, not checking either the full or part-time box.
• Turning in your application without the supplemental, or vice versa, or turning in the wrong supplemental questionnaire with your application.
• Writing illegibly. You do not have to type your application materials, but do be sure they can be read.
• Providing inconsistent information.

12/15/05