Job descriptions and applications

 

Before beginning the employment application and hiring process an employer should prepare a comprehensive job description for the position to be filled.  This will allow the employer to identify the exact qualifications required for the position and to evaluate each candidate consistently according to those criteria.

Once a job description has been prepared, an employer can begin advertising the available position and screening qualified applicants.  The first step in the candidate screening process (see Chapter 3, Candidate screening) is the employment application.  It is important that the application request only information pertinent to the job in question.  Employers should not request any information that would indicate the applicant’s age, such as the applicant’s birth date or graduation dates or specific years of attendance for any education institutions the applicant may have attended – requesting or obtaining such information creates the potential for claims of age discrimination by an unsuccessful applicant.  Likewise, employers should not request any information that might reveal a physical or mental impairment that could be considered a disability.  In that regard, employers are limited to asking whether the applicant is capable of performing the essential functions of the job.

Under Georgia’s first offenders law, some individuals can have certain convictions expunged. The law provides that persons who have satisfactorily fulfilled the terms of their probation and are released without court adjudication of guilt and with complete exoneration of any crime are not to be regarded as criminally convicted and such records cannot be used as a basis for either disqualifying an applicant for employment or discharging an employee.  The first offenders law has certain limited exceptions that make otherwise expunged criminal records available for job assignments related to safety or security, trade secrets, access to cash, and child care.  Employers should consult with legal counsel when considering any employment action based on an applicant’s or employee’s criminal record. 

Four sample employment applications have been provided in this manual.  All are limited to legally permissible inquiries.  Employers are strongly encouraged to consult with legal counsel before revising any of these forms to request additional information.

Job description

Job Title:__________________________________________________

Date of this Description:___________________________________

Job Summary:___________________________________________


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSof the Job (listed in order of importance):

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1.

2.


Skills Required to Perform the Duties of the Job:

1.        

2.                    


Educational Requirements Needed to Perform the Duties of the Job:

1.        

2.        


Lifting or other physical Requirements to Perform the Duties of the Job:

1.        

2.        


Licensing or Other Special Certifications Required:

1.        

2.        




Job Description Approved by:_____________________________________________________

                                                                                   

Signature/Title:_____________________________             Date:_________________________


***THE COMPANY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, INTERPRET, OR APPLY THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN ANY WAY THE COMPANY DESIRES. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN NO WAY IMPLIES THAT THESE ARE THE ONLY DUTIES, INCLUDING ESSENTIAL DUTIES, TO BE PERFORMED BY THE EMPLOYEE OCCUPYING THIS POSITION. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE. THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP REMAINS “AT-WILL.”  QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES WHO, BECAUSE OF A PHYSICAL OR MENTAL IMPAIRMENT THAT SIGNIFICANTLY LIMITS A MAJOR LIFE ACTIVITY,  REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION SHOULD NOTIFY THEIR MANAGER OR HUMAN RESOURCES.***

Sample 1: at-will employment application

 

                                                                       (PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION EXCEPT SIGNATURE)
THIS APPLICATION IS NOT AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTbut merely is intended to provide information necessary to evaluate suitability for employment. It is the policy of the company to provide equal employment to all qualified persons without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, citizenship, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under state or federal law. It is also the policy of the company to have the option of conducting pre-employment screening before a job offer is made. If a job offer is made, employment may be contingent upon the successful completion of a medical examination, which may include a drug test or other physical evaluations.  This application will remain active for 180 days.
                                                    PERSONAL INFORMATION
 
Name      

Last                         First           Middle  

Social Security #

Home Phone                      
Work Phone

Please list below your current address and your two other most recent previous addresses:  Current    Street                                             City                                                State                                              Zip                  Since (Mo/Yr) 


Street                                           City                                                State                                              Zip                  Since (Mo/Yr) 

Street                                           City                                                State                                              Zip                  Since (Mo/Yr)                                                                   

EDUCATION


High School Attended        
City, County & State Did you earn a Diploma?

Undergraduate College Attended      
City, State   Areas of Study    Degree/Certificate/Diploma

Graduate School Attended 
City, State   Areas of Study    Degree/Certificate/Diploma

Trade, Business or Other School     
City, State   Areas of Study    Degree/Certificate/Diploma                      
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Position Applied For:    

Date You Can  Start Work:    
Desired Salary:  $

Do You Prefer:   
oFull-Time               oPart-Time  

Can You Work:   oWeekends     oEvenings


Please answer all of the following questions. When necessary, note question number and use an extra paper to provide explanations:

1) Are you at least 18 years of age and legally eligible for work in the United States?   oYES      oNO

2) Will you work overtime when necessary?               
oYES     oNO

3) Have you received a description of the job or been made aware of the essential functions of the job you are applying for :   oYES     oNO

4) Do you understand the job requirements?                oYES     oNO  (If no, please explain)

5) Are you on layoff and subject to recall?                                    oYES      oNO

6) Are you currently bound by a noncompetition or trade secret agreement? (If yes, please explain)      
oYES        oNO

  7) Have you ever been discharged or asked to resign from a job? (If yes, please explain)                                oYES      oNO

8) Have you ever been convicted of or pled guilty to a felony or other crime? (If yes, please explain)    
oYES       oNO      
This question does not pertain to convictions that have been expunged under Georgia law.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
MAY WE CONTACT YOUR PRESENT EMPLOYER?                         oYES    oNO
Please list below your last three employers beginning with the most recent:

 

Most Recent Employer
City  State  Zip Code     
Phone     

Position Held                                                                            Dates From/To                 
Pay Rate Upon Leaving  $    Supervisor   

Duties                                                                                    Reason for Leaving 

Next Most Recent Employer   

City  State  Zip Code     
Phone     

Position Held                                                                             Dates From/To                 
Pay Rate Upon Leaving  $    Supervisor   

Duties                                                                                    Reason for Leaving 

Next Most Recent Employer     

City  State  Zip Code     
Phone     

Position Held                                                                            Dates From/To                 
Pay Rate Upon Leaving  $    Supervisor   

Duties                                                                                    Reason for Leaving 

Next Most Recent Employer     

City  State  Zip Code     

Phone     

Position Held                                                                            Dates From/To                 

Pay Rate Upon Leaving  $    
Supervisor   

Duties                                                                                   Reason for Leaving
 
JOB-RELATED SKILLS
If the position you are applying for requires driving a motor vehicle, Please answer the following questions:
1.               Do you have a valid driver’s license?           oYES      oNO

                  (If YES:  Driver’s License Number)_________________________________________ 
Date of Issue:___________________________


2.               Have you been convicted of or pled guilty to any traffic-related offense within the past five years?                  oYES      oNO


3.               Have you had your driver’s license suspended or revoked, or had your driving privileges modified by a court of law?             

                  oYES        oNO


4.               Please list all states from which you hold or have held a driver’s license:

Please use this space to list any special skills you may have that relate to the position applied for:
Please list any professional licenses, designations, certifications, etc. that may relate to the position applied for. Include date granted, name of organization, and any other relevant information.

1.


2.


3.
APPLICANT’S CERTIFICATION AGREEMENT
1.        I certify that the facts and information set forth in this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification, misrepresentation, or omission of facts on this application (or on any required documents) will be cause for denial of employment or immediate termination of employment, regardless of when or how discovered.

2.        I authorize the investigation of all statements contained in this application and release from all liability any persons or employers supplying such information, and I also release the company from all liability that might result from making the investigation.

3.        If I am offered and accept a position, I agree to conform to all existing and future Company rules and regulations and I understand that the Company reserves the right to change wages, hours and working conditions as deemed necessary. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT, IF HIRED, MY EMPLOYMENT WILL BE AT-WILL, MEANING THAT EITHER PARTY CAN END THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP AT ANY TIME AND FOR ANY OR NO REASON.

4.        I understand that any employment offer is contingent upon my providing, within three (3) working days of employment, valid proof of identity and eligibility to work in order to comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

5.        I have read and reviewed the information provided in this application and the above statements. By signing this application for employment I certify that I understand all parts of it and have answered all questions completely and fully.



                               ___________________________

Signature                     Date

 

Sample 2: application for at-will employment

We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
(Please Print)

Position Applied for:                                          Date of Application:

How Did You Learn About Us?

□  Advertisement         □  Friend          □  Walk-In
□  Employment Agency     □  Relative       
□  Other______________________________


Last Name                                                                                          First Name                                                                        Middle Name

Address                                                                                                                 City                                                State                            Zip Code


Telephone Number(s)                                                                      Social Security Number

If you are under 18 years of age, can you provide required proof of your eligibility to work?      oYes   oNo

Have you ever filed an application with us before?      
oYes   oNo           If Yes, give date      __________

Have you ever been employed with us before?      
oYes   oNo               If Yes, give date                     

Are you currently employed?      oYes   oNo

May we contact your present employer?      oYes   oNo

Are you prevented from lawfully becoming employed in this country because of Visa or Immigration Status?

Proof of citizenship or immigration status will be required upon employment.      oYes   oNo

On what date would you be available to work?                                 

Are you available to work:       
o  Full Time   o  Part Time    o  Shift Work     
o  Temporary

Are you currently on “layoff” status and subject to recall?            oYes   oNo

Can you travel if a job requires it?      oYes   oNo

Have you been convicted of a crime within the last 7 years?      oYes   oNo

(This question does not pertain to convictions that have been expunged under Georgia law.  Conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.)

If Yes, please explain                                                                                                                         

This application will remain active for 180 days.

Education

Name and Address of School       
Course of Study                  Number of Years

Completed           
Diploma /Degree

Elementary

School                                                                                                                                                                          

High

School                                                                                                                                                                          

Undergraduate

College                                                                                                                                                                         

Graduate

Professional                                                                                                                                                              

Other

(Specify)                                                                                                                                                                      


Indicate any foreign languages you speak, read, and/or write

       FLUENT    GOOD   FAIR

SPEAK                                                                                                                                                 

READ                                                                                                                                                    

WRITE                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Describe any specialized training, apprenticeship, skills and extra-curricular activities.                             

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________                                                                                                                                                                                  

Describe any job-related training received in the United States military.                                                             

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Employment Experience

Start with your present or last job. Include any job-related military service assignments and volunteer activities. You may exclude organizations that indicate race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disabilities, or other protected status.

 

1.      Employer                                
Dates Employed    
Work Performed
                                                          From        To      

Address                                                                

Telephone Number(s)                                         Hourly Rate/Salary    

                                                          Starting  Final   

Job Title                                                                

Reason for Leaving                                                    

2.      Employer                                
Dates Employed    
Work Performed

                                                           From        To      

Address                                                                

Telephone Number(s)                                         Hourly Rate/Salary    

                                                          Starting  Final   

Job Title                                                                

Reason for Leaving                                                    

3.      Employer                                

Dates Employed    
Work Performed

                                                           From        To      

Address                                                                

Telephone Number(s)                                         Hourly Rate/Salary    

                                                          Starting  Final   

Job Title                                                                

Reason for Leaving                                                    

4.      Employer                                
Dates Employed    
Work Performed

                                                           From        To      

Address                                                                

Telephone Number(s)                                         Hourly Rate/Salary    

                                                          Starting  Final   

Job Title                                                                

Reason for Leaving                                                    


If you need additional space, please continue on a separate sheet of paper.

 

List professional, trade, business, or civic activities and offices held.

You may exclude memberships that would reveal gender, race, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, or other protected status:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Additional Information

Other Qualifications
Summarize special job-related skills and qualifications acquired from employment or other experience.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Specialized Skills:    Check Skills/Equipment Operated
Production/Mobile

oCRT                        oFax                                      Machinery (list):            
Other (list):

oPC                          

oMicroSoft Excel ___________

oCalculator               oPBX System    _____________            ___________

oTypewriter              oWord Processing _____________          ___________

State any additional information you feel may be helpful to us in considering your application.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT USE ONLY

Position(s) Applied For Is Open:       oYes    oNo     Position(s) Considered For:                                                                             Date                                       NOTES:________________________________________________________________________________________________________  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
References

 

1.

 

 

2.

________________________________ ( )________________

Name                            Phone #

____________________________________________________________

Address

 

3.             

_______________________________  (    )________________

Name                            Phone #

____________________________________________________________

Address

*WE ARE AN AT-WILL, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER*
 Applicant’s Statement

 

 

I certify that answers given herein are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. 


I authorize investigation of all statements contained in this application for employment as may be necessary in arriving at an employment decision. 


This application for employment shall be considered active for a period of time not to exceed 45 days.


Any applicant wishing to be considered for employment beyond this time period should inquire as to whether or not applications are being accepted at that time.

                                                                    

I understand and acknowledgethat, if hired, my employment relationship withthis organization would be of an “AT WILL” nature, which means that the Employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge Employee at any time and for any or no reason. It is further understood that this “AT WILL” employment relationship may not be changed by any written document or by conduct unless such change is specifically acknowledged in writing by an authorized executive of this organization.


In the event of employment, I understand that false or misleading information given in my application or interview(s) may result in discharge. I understand, also, that I am required to abide by all rules and regulations of the employer.







____________________              _________________________

Signature of Applicant                     Date

 

 
*WE ARE AN AT-WILL, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER*


FOR PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT USE ONLY

Arrange Interview        oYes     oNo                                                                                     ____________________________    
INTERVIEWER                                                                     DATE     Employed     oYes     oNo                      
Date of Employment_________________________                                             Hourly Rate/    Job Title                                           Salary __________  Department__________________________              By                                                                                                                                                                   NAME AND TITLE                                                                                  DATE

 

*WE ARE AN AT-WILL, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER*

                                

Sample 3: application for at-will employment

 

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Work _______

Location _______

Position _______    

Rate _______

Date _______
 

 

(An Equal Opportunity Employer)

 

We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or handicap, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.  We will give this application every consideration. However, in accepting it, the Company makes no commitment of employment to the applicant.  This application will remain active for 180 days.


WE ARE AN AT-WILL EMPLOYER, MEANING THAT EITHER THE EMPLOYER OR THE EMPLOYEE MAY END THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP AT ANY TIME AND FOR ANY OR NO REASON.
                                     BASIC INFORMATION: Please print in ink.

 

Salary requirements:                                                     Date Available:                                 


Have you been convicted of a crime within the last 7 years?    oYes    o No

            This question does not pertain to convictions that have been expunged under Georgia law.

If yes, please explain:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Are you a United States Citizen?       o Yes     o No

            If no, are you lawfully authorized to work in the United States?     o Yes   o No


*WE ARE AN AT-WILL, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER*

 

Position Applied For:

Date of Application:

How Did You Learn About Us?

o  Advertisement                   o  Friend         
o  Walk-In

o  Employment Agency         o  Relative      
o  Other______________________


Last Name                               First Name                                                      Middle Name


Address                                                                      City                                 State            Zip Code

Telephone Number(s)                                                                                                                   Social Security Number
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:  Start with your present or most recent job. Include any job-related military service assignments, self-employment, summer and part-time jobs.

 

 

1 Company                 Address                Telephone

                                            

  Dates             From                To    Employed     Starting                                Leaving  Salary                    Supervisor

  Your Duties: 

  Reason for Leaving: 

2 Company                 Address                Telephone

                                            

  Dates             From                To    Employed     Starting                                Leaving  Salary                    Supervisor

  Your Duties: 

  Reason for Leaving: 

3 Company                 Address                Telephone

                                            

  Dates             From                To    Employed     Starting                                 Leaving  Salary                    Supervisor

  Your Duties: 

  Reason for Leaving: 

4 Company                 Address                Telephone

                                            

  Date               From                To    Employed    Starting                           Leaving  Salary                    Supervisor

  Your Duties: 

  Reason for Leaving:

If presently employed, why do you desire to change your position?____________________________________________________________


If you are now employed, may we contact your present employer?     oYes   o No

 

*WE ARE AN AT-WILL, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER*


REFERENCES: (not former employers or relatives)


   Name          Address     Phone Number

  
EDUCATION:

 School                    

 Name and Address of School           

Course of Study


Last Year Completed       High                                                            1  2  3  4         

Did You Graduate?        


oYes

o No    

Diploma or Degree
If you did not graduate, why did you leave school or college?_____________________________

____________________________________________________________


Are you planning to pursue further studies?     oYes   oNo                      

                                                                        If yes, oDay OR oNight School

If so, when, where, and what courses?_______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

 

INTERESTS:Use this space below to describe interest in the industry and skills and aptitudes that you feel qualify you for a position with our Company. (You may wish to include civic and community activities, professional societies in which you participate, hobbies, sports, special training or skills such as typing, accounting, and the like.)  If you need more space, please continue on a separate sheet.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

*WE ARE AN AT-WILL, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER*


ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Please Read Before Signing:

The facts set forth in my application for employment are true and complete.  I understand that if employed, false or misleading statements on this application shall be considered cause for immediate dismissal.  In making this application for employment I authorize you to make and/or investigate a report whereby information is obtained through personal interviews with my neighbors, friends, or others with whom I am acquainted.  This inquiry, if made, may include information as to my character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living.  This inquiry, if made, also may include information concerning any and all employment discrimination claims and/or accusations brought against me, including, but not limited to, charges and/or accusations brought against me that relate to harassment and/or discrimination involving race, sex, age, religion, disability, and/or national origin.


I understand that I have the right to make a written request within a reasonable period of time to receive additional, detailed information about the nature and scope of any such investigation or report that is made.


I understand that, if the Company employs me, EITHER THE Company or I can terminate my employment with or without cause at any time and for any or no reason.  I also understand that no official of the Company other than the Chief Executive Officer has any authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specific period of time or to make any agreement contrary to the foregoing.

 

Signature of Applicant          Date

     

       *WE ARE AN AT-WILL, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER*

 

Sample 4: application for at-will employment

 

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of any characteristic that is protected by state or federal law.


THE COMPANY IS AN AT-WILL EMPLOYER, MEANING THAT EITHER THE EMPLOYER OR EMPLOYEE CAN END THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP AT ANY TIME AND FOR ANY OR NO REASON.


Position Applied For:_______________________________ 
Date of Application:____________

Date You Can Start:_______________________________  
Please note that this application will only remain active for six months, after which the applicant will need to reapply.


Name:______________________________________________ 
Social Security #:_____________


Last              First                  Middle


Present Address:_________________________________________

               Street   City       State            Zip


Permanent Address:____________________________________

                  Street  City     State             Zip


Telephone #: 
Home (_____)___________________    
Work (_____)______________________


Are you 18 years or older?     oYes   oNo


Are there any hours or days of the week you cannot work?     oYes    oNo

If so, when?____________________________________________________________


Salary Desired____________________ 


Type of Employment:   oFull-time      oPart-time


Are your employed now?     oYes   oNo 

May we contact your present employer?     oYes   oNo


Did you ever apply to this Company before?       
oYes     oNo        Where?_______________


Under what name? _____________________________  
When?_____________________


EDUCATION:



NAME AND ADDRESS OF SCHOOL  NO. OF YEARS ATTENDED

DID YOU GRADUATE?       

SUBJECT/MAJOR

Elementary

School                                                                                                                         

High School                                                                                                                

College                                                                                                                       

Specialized

Training                                                                                                                        

Are you lawfully eligible to be employed in the United States?     oYes   oNo


Have you ever been convicted of a crime, other than minor traffic violations?     oYes   oNo

{This question pertains only to convictions that have not been sealed or expunged}.

If so, please state citation, date and place where offense occurred:_________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________


Please provide any additional information such as special skills, training, management experience, equipment operation, or qualifications you feel will be helpful to us in considering your application:

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________


REFERENCES:  Three Individuals Not Related To You, Whom You Have Known For At Least One Year.
NAME           

ADDRESS & TELEPHONE        
RELATIONSHIP   
YEARSACQUAINTED

Emergency Contact_____________________________________________________                                 
             Name/Street/City/State/Telephone


CURRENT AND FORMER EMPLOYERS:(Most Recent One First)

 

DATE MONTH/YEAR

 

NAME, ADDRESS & TELEPHONE 
NO. OF EMPLOYER   
SALARY:

STARTING/ENDING        
LAST POSITION HELD/

RESPONSIBILITIES       
REASON FOR LEAVING

From:




To:



                                                                                                                              

From:




To:


                                                                                                                              

From:




To:


                                                                                                                              

From:




To:


                                                                                                                              

From:




To:

                 Please read the following statement carefully before signing to indicate your understanding:

I understand that if I receive a conditional job offer, and prior to beginning employment, I may be requested to undergo a pre-employment medical examination. If I have an impairment that will affect my ability to take the test, I will so inform the Company prior to the administration of the test so that a reasonable accommodation may be arranged. The Company reserves the right to require medical documentation regarding the need for accommodation.


I certify that the facts contained in this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and understand that, if employed, falsified statements on this application may result in termination.


I understand and agree that, if hired, my employment is AT-WILL. THIS MEANS THAT, IF HIRED, EITHER THE COMPANY OR I CAN END THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP AT ANY TIME AND FOR ANY OR NO REASON.


I authorize investigation of all statements contained in this application for any employment-related purpose. I release the listed references and all employers to provide you with any and all applicable information they may have. I hereby release these references and former employers from all liability for any information they may give to you, including but not limited to any defamation claims I may now have or will have against them.

______________________________________________________

Date                            Signature

 

*THE COMPANY IS AN AT-WILL, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER*


For Employer Use Only


Interviewed By:________________________ Date:_________________ Hired:   oYes   oNo


Starting Date:____________________
Position:_______________ Wage:______________


*THE COMPANY IS AN AT-WILL, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER*