Filling out a job application...what and what not to put on it

Hello,

I've been a lurker on the site since the first Unemployed Friends and today decided to ask for help and advice from the many knowledgeable folks here. I recently was scheduled for an interview and I'm going through the application process. First there was a silly personality test (this is a CSR position) and basic reading comprehension and applied math tests. I passed these and am now onto filling out the job application.

My question is, on my resume I have that I am currently employed as a contractor with a paralegal company that a friend is president of. I do work with my friend from time to time but it would not come up on an employment background check. I'm not sure if I should put this on my application. If I don't, it will appear that I've been unemployed since December 2009 or I've signed up with temp agencies but none of them have helped me to find work. My last job was a seasonal position at a retail store which I left in December 2009. So my question is, what should I put on my application? Do I leave off the contractor job (which nets me occasional pocket money but nothing that would have been reported as earnings)? I'm reading that a lot of companies are not hiring people who are unemployed and this really scares me because jobs are so scarce and I can't afford to stay unemployed. Any advice, tips are greatly appreciated.

I think I would put it down, especially if your friend will give you a reference that they can call. I think that if they can give you a personal reference then the company will probably hire you.

thanks for your input. i think it is a better idea to put this job down as i can use my friend as a reference.

Definitely put that job down! Not only for reference purposes, but to fill the gap in your employment history. It is a fact that employers do indeed discriminate against the unemployed. Watch the video of the day that was featured on CNN Money this weekend.

Hi there DesperateinRI, can you tell me where to find the video? I went looking on CNN's site but didn't see anything regarding employment today.

Thanks a bunch for your response also.

I just logged in to update this post. I had been a lurker for a long time and just posted to get some advice from my fellow unemployed. I did get an interview and have since gotten the job. I'm working at Monster Worldwide in Florence, SC. I wanted to thank everyone here who uplifts this community. My prayers and positive thoughts go out to everyone who is still seeking employment.

Great news! Thanks for letting us know.

That is great news! Don't put employer's name, it is generally not a good idea.

Put down that you do Freelance assignments. That way you can put Present down. At least this year 2011. Many who work Contract Assignments whether as an Independent or through agencies. Put them together and put.

Contract/Freelance Assignments, 2008-2011.

In this case you didn't work all the time, but still acceptable. Many employers find this acceptable, where years ago it was different.

minxotic wrote:I just logged in to update this post. I had been a lurker for a long time and just posted to get some advice from my fellow unemployed. I did get an interview and have since gotten the job. I'm working at Monster Worldwide in Florence, SC. I wanted to thank everyone here who uplifts this community. My prayers and positive thoughts go out to everyone who is still seeking employment.

Congrats!!! Thats fantastic!! Thanks for updating us...good luck and stay in touch!