Applications
How you fill out a job application says a lot about what kind of employee you will be. Follow these tips to make your application say all the right things.

1. Write neatly and clearly so it is easy to read your application. Writing in pen is usually easier to read than pencil. A neatly written application says you care about the job you are applying for.
2. Give all the information the application asks for, to the best of your ability. This shows you pay attention to detail. It may help to write down your past job information ahead of time, so you will have employer names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of employment ready to go. You will also want names, addresses and phone numbers for personal and professional references (more on references below). Leaving out information the employer asks for could make you look careless, or make it look like you want to hide something.
3. Be honest. Don’t say you can do something you can’t, or shade the truth about your work history. But don’t sell yourself short, either. Don’t hesitate to mention all the qualities, skills and experience you have that would make you a good employee.

Here are more tips on filling out a job application:

• FAQ Farm
  http://www.jobsfaq.com/resume/job-application.html
• PageWise
  http://azaz.essortment.com/fillingoutjob_rarw.htm

Some jobs might ask for a resume. Here are guidelines for writing a resume:

• CareerPoint.com
  http://www.careerperfect.com/CareerPerfect/channel_resumes.htm
• University of Maine Career Center
  http://www.umaine.edu/career/resguide.html

Interviews
A job interview should be enjoyable. Remember that a job interview works two ways – the employer learns more about you and you learn more about the employer.

There are things you can do to make it a good experience, which can lead to a job offer. The following will help:

1. Prepare questions in advance to ask about the job—whether you are just learning about the job or definitely have decided you want it.
2. Be prepared to say in one sentence why you want the job. Also, be prepared to explain beyond that.
3. Ask the interviewer to describe how someone succeeds in the job you're discussing.
4. Ask other questions if there’s something you need to know before deciding whether you would want the job.
5. Be honest. If you haven't had a particular experience, just say so. Most people are willing to train employees who want to learn.
6. Bring along a typed set of names of people who can, and will, speak about your work skills and habits. Include job titles, companies, addresses, and telephone numbers. Get permission from these people in advance to use their names.
7. Be rested and alert. This lets you be who you are.
8. Dress neatly. The way you present yourself shows others that you care about yourself.
9. If you find you'll be late for the interview, or you can't make it, call as soon as you learn about the change. Remember, everybody's time is valuable.

More Interview Advice

• Job Seekers Advice
  http://www.jobseekersadvice.com/main/interview_advice.htm

Interview Guidelines for Personal Assistants
These guidelines were written for home care workers in California, but they have useful tips for anyone interviewing for a personal assistant job. Check out "Interviewing for Home Care Work" and "Phone Interview Tips".
http://www.ac-pa4ihss.org/content/140.asp