(1) When you request an application, ask for two or three. Most companies won’t mind (they’ll figure you want a spare in case you make a mistake). If you fill the second one out in advance, you’ll have the information you need for the next application.

(2) I went one step further myself by preparing a “Cheat Sheet” for when I look for work. The Sheet includes:

* A list of my basic info (EXCEPT my Social Security Number – cause of I.D. Theft!)

* A list of my Jobs, in reverse chronological order. For each job:

. . . .Name/Address/Phone Number of the Company

. . . .Start / End Dates that I worked there (How long)

. . . .Position Info (Title, Duties, achievements)

. . . .How much I was paid (per hour/month/year)

. . . .Supervisor/Boss’s Name and Contact info (phone / e-mail)

. . . .Reason for Leaving (in polite language)

* All pertinent Schooling/Training Info (Addresses, etc.)

* A List of personal and business references (preferably on a separate sheet – after all, they’re private).

With all this info on hand, you will be able to fill the application faster and more completely…and give a good impression, as well.

Good Luck to you in your job search!