If you fill out a job app. and leave previous jobs/employers blank, will it disqualify you automatically?

Question

It's either I just can't remember the details such as addresses or manager names because it's been a long time ago, or their offices are no longer where they used to be. I've really only had about 2 "real" jobs in the past and they were more than 5 years ago.

Answer 1

It doesn't disqualify you completely, it just makes it harder to find something. It is better to put something than nothing. Put down the information you do know, it is really hard to help people find jobs if we have no idea what they have done in the past. If you leave it blank it just shows us you don't have any work history or any experience in anything.



Try putting together a resume at home and bring it with you when you go fill out applications, at least that will help in determining what skills you have.

Answer 2

Depends on how old you are.



But yes you should put down ANY work on an application. You should use the Internet and find at least the address (city and state) and the general phone number of a company. Nowadays resumes (and employment) checks go back 10 years. And it's Human Resources if you don't know the person's name. More than likely that person has moved on, but HR has your employment records.



And remember, the primary reason why you put all that information down is because they would like to see what you can do. I suggest you go to a free career advisor (check Yellow Pages for Dept. of Labor's , Department of Employment and check for centers that have people who can help you. If in a bind try the Unemployment Office for a list of places they send people to try to find work, these offices generally have free workshops).



Oh and here's a secret...the application is also a test to see if you pay attention to details. If you leave something blank (especially a large part like employment) many employers think that you are not bothering to take the time (which also tends to be assumed if you write "see resume" in the same boxes) to even find information - or that if you're out of the "teens/just out of college" ages, that something could be wrong with you for not working.



Good Luck!

Answer 3

First of all never go to a job interview equipped with you memory for references. Take the time to prepare by researching where you worked and who you worked for and then keep the information in a notebook. Ask friends or parents if you cannot remember details. Look up the numbers in the phone directory and add them to your notebook. List several friends and relatives as references. Fill out all parts of the application completely.

Memory can be fickle and during a job interview is the worst time to try and remeber details. When you are more relaxed you can remember details and add them to your notebook. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Unless you can talk to someone directly right away to explain the blanks you most likely will not hear back, even then it won't look good for you to say that you forgot. Try looking it up on the internet and write it down and keep it with you when you're applying for jobs. Use this lack of experience to your advantage by saying that you are eager to enter the field and learn what you can.

Answer 5

I would at least put the name of the company down. If you leave it blank it will not disqualify you, but it makes it look like you have not had a previous employer.

Answer 6

I always either tried looking up the company's info on the internet or I just guessed as close as possible as far as a phone #, etc.

Answer 7

depends on the employer. some look negatively on this. others don't. no real answer.