IV. Miscellaneous
 Employment Applications
Pre-Employment Tests
Background Checks
[Getting the Job
Part I: Preparation]
[Getting the Job Part II: Job-Search Letters]
[Getting the Job Part III: Interviewing]
Employment Applications
• Completing
job application forms
Some companies use the application form itself as an employment test. Even though most
companies don’t do this, the impression you make with your application form may be a
lasting one. So, take it seriously, be prepared, and take your time to do it right.
• Employment
applications
No matter when the application is requested, it is an important job search tool.
It provides an opportunity to sell your qualifications. The completed application may be
the first impression the employer has of you.
• Can the conditions of
employment be stated in the application?
Yes. The prospective employee who signs the application acknowledges his or her consent to
these conditions.
Pre-Employment Tests
• Exams and
testing
Being asked to take a test is a good sign, because employers do not waste the time and
money on testing someone they are not interested in.
• Pre-employment
tests: Proof that you have the right stuff for the job
Employers are increasingly relying on preemployment tests to determine which job
candidates best fit their job openings.
• Use of
pre-employment tests in selection procedures
A look at pre-employments tests from an employer's perspective.
• Don't
let screening tests scare you
Today, many companies are using pre-employment testing in their hiring process. Although
this type of testing is becoming increasingly common, most people visibly cringe at the
mention of an oral or written pre-employment test.
• Pre-employment
screening tools
Employers are asking the question "How can we be certain this is a smart
investment?" These are some of the tools they're relying on to provide them with the
answers.
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• Drug testing and other
possible conditions of employment
While some may consider drug testing, credit checks, reference checks, and other
pre-employment checks to be Gestapo-like in their usage, they are often considered a
requirement of many companies.
• Passing
the tests: Drawing the line with prospective employers
It's nervewracking to interview for a new job. And it can be even more unnerving when a
job offer depends on passing a test such as those for drug and alchohol use. Find out when
and whether they are legal.
• Screening
methods used in crucial hiring decisions
Tandy is one of many companies using personality tests to screen potential employees and
assess their work habits. Employers say the tests, which consist of either written exams
or face-to-face interviews, are good indicators of future job performance.
• Psychological
testing need not be feared
Although psychological testing is a great tool for employers, the process can be
terrifying for some people. Without knowing what to expect, candidates incorrectly
envision everything from a psychiatrist's couch to a mental ward.
• Genetic
testing worms its way into firms' screening processes
Some employers are advocating that applicants and employees be genetically screened to
determine whether they have a predisposition to contracting occupational disorders.
• Genetic
tests: New grounds for discrimination
While there have been no population-wide surveys of genetic bias, many people
have reportedly suffered discrimination after being identified as having, or being
at risk for, an inherited disease.
Background
Checks
• Employment background
checks: A job seeker's guide
Whether you are hired or promoted for a job may depend on the information gathered
by the employer in a background check.
• Cracking
the code of silence
pplying for a job? Be prepared for full disclosure. Potential employers may have
used a background check to answer questions they couldn't ask.
• Errors in Web background
checks can derail job seekers
Since many employers do not disclose what sort of background checks they use, it is
hard to know exactly how they conduct them. But one thing is for sure: the scrutiny of job
applicants has intensified in recent years.
• 10
checks for job applicant's background
From a potential employer's perspective, 10 searches they may conduct on you and
other job applicants.
• Can potential
employers check your credit?
You bet they can. Many employers now do routine credit checks on employees and job
applicants, relying on the same credit bureau files used by companies that issue credit
cards and make loans.
• Job
sleuths
Employment specialists estimate that anywhere from 25 to 80 percent of resumes
harbor some degree of embellishment. But that little white -- or big fat -- lie on a
resume or application form won't go undetected these days, thanks to the growing use of
background screening.
• How credit checks can
affect your job hunt
It isn't uncommon for employers to request a copy of your credit report.
• Remedies for job hunters'
credit check headaches
A job hunter with a tarnished credit record who needs a quick fix won't get it by
rushing to a credit counseling service.
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