It's no secret that having the proper documents can make all the difference when you're looking for a job. There are several key documents most people need when applying for jobs or about to be hired.
While some employers may not always require every document listed below, it's always best to be prepared just in case. Here are some of the documents most employers will ask from you.
Some employers will require you to fill out a prewritten job application before applying for a job. This might be one of the first things a prospective employee will have to fill out.
A job application might ask for common things like your name, social security number, address, and birthdate. Most job applications can be filled out online, but some businesses ask you to fill them out by hand.
If you do have to fill out a job application online, you should consider printing out a copy. Once you hit submit on a job application, you might find it hard to get a copy of it. It helps to print it out as soon as you complete it.
Documents with vital information are more critical once you’re about to be hired for a job, but they are essential nonetheless. These documents show you can legally work and verify your identity. Some important documents you should keep in mind are your birth certificate, social security card, and identification card.
A birth certificate might be the most important document of them all. This document shows your full legal name, your birthday, and where you were born.
A social security card is a document that has your name and social security number. Your social security number is essential in background checks and for employers to verify your identity. If you misplace yours, you can always get a social security card replacement.
An identification card is also important in verifying your identity. This document will vary from person to person. Some people will have state-issued identification cards, while others might use their driver's license.
Your resume is one of the most important documents you’ll need for applying for a job. Nearly every prospective employer will ask for one.
Your resume is your chance to market yourself to a potential employer. This document should list your skills, work experience, and education. A resume is usually one or two pages long.
If you don’t have a lot of work experience or are still early in your career, you can list volunteer work or any other activities you've been involved in. It's also necessary to make sure your resume is up-to-date and accurate.
You also want your resume to be well organized and free of grammar and spelling mistakes. This is essentially your first impression with an employer, so you must ensure you're showcasing your best self.
A cover letter is a document that tells an employer why they would like to work for their company. Not every business will ask for one, but many do.
You should write a cover letter that is tailored to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job as a teacher, you’ll want to include information about your teacher credentials and past experiences teaching classes.
Your cover letter should list key skills and why you're a good fit for the job. It's also vital to ensure your cover letter is error-free. Ideally, your cover letter shouldn’t be longer than one page.
Do note that a cover letter is not a substitute for a resume. A cover letter is more like a supplement document and can explain things you include in your resume, like past job experiences.
When showing these documents to a potential employer, you want to ensure they're all as accurate as possible. Getting caught providing false or incorrect information can cause you to get denied the job you're applying for.
