Successfully Completing a Rigger Job Application

Functions Of The Application

Are you aware that job applications have more than one function? Most Riggers think that the sole purpose of a job application is to provide the prospective employer with work-specific information about themselves. While this is the primary reason for completing an application, the employer uses the application process to learn much more about you than you would generally imagine. Before we delve into these aspects however, let's first look at some tips that will help you quickly, and most importantly, correctly complete a Rigger job application.

After-All, It Is Not A Quiz 

Keep in mind that a Rigger job application is not a quiz. It is an information gathering tool. It is perfectly sensible for you to document, write down, and assemble specific information about yourself that is relevant to the Rigger position. This should be done prior to considering the application itself. It allows you to complete the application form working from well thought-out facts rather than relying on your memory. So, what relevant facts should be documented, written down, and assembled? One of the best ways to determine this is to review and update a copy of one of your previous job applications. If you do not have one, obtain several typical blank job applications and fill them out prior to completing the real application. These can be become master or template applications that you take with you at the time of application. Numerous examples are available free on the internet.

The most tedious information requirement on applications has to be the section that requests work history. The history is usually requested in reverse chronological order. Exact dates are requested, and wage information can be desired. An important item for each past job can include a request to provide a specific reason for leaving the position. Assembling this information beforehand can be extremely helpful.

Personal Identification 

Many employers like to make copies of personal identification items such as social security cards, and photographic identification, such as a driver's license. Employers use the social security number for wage and tax reporting purposes. While not immediately needed at the time of job application, it speeds up employment processing should you be hired. Providing a prospective employer with your social security number is totally voluntary; however, refusing to do so could be a problem. The same holds true for photographic identification. More on this point in just a minute.

Following The Directions 

Did you ever encounter the trick test teachers would on occasion spring on the class that dealt with accurately following instructions? It goes something like this: without much verbal direction, the teacher passes out a sheet with multiple numbered items that request certain actions be taken. The very first printed item is an instruction that makes it imperative that the student read through the entire document before actually writing any responses. At the bottom of the page the very last instruction directs the student not to provide any written answers at all. On this particular test the student either makes 100 or zero based on his ability to follow directions!

Take a lesson from this exercise and completely read through the Rigger job application before writing any responses. This will provide you with an overall understanding and direction your prospective employer wants. Not following a specific instruction such as PRINT ALL INFORMATION REQUESTED EXCEPT SIGNATURE can be cause for rejection. A complete review of the application before inserting information may actually save you and the employer time; there maybe specific skill or experience requirements that you lack but are necessary for employment as a Rigger.

Other Uses Of The Application 

On to those other not so evident uses of the application process that employers use to learn about you, your perceived character, your genuine interest, and your overall ability to fit-in as a Rigger. An individual responsible for actually processing craftsmen and tradesmen job applications provided the following interesting facts about job applicants and perspective employee screening that takes place:

1. Individual job applicants who requested permission to complete the application off site with the stated intention or returning it later were denied any consideration. Completing the application in the employer's office allows the employer to verify that the Rigger can read and write.
2. Making application without a positive photographic identification can signal to the employer that the Rigger does not have a permanent resident condition. Possessing a valid driver's license with a photo ID is a plus. Most employers want their workers to be legally capable of driving company vehicles if the need arises.
3. Arriving at the application site not properly dressed gives the impression that the Rigger is not serious about beginning work immediately. Examples are wearing open-toed shoes or a sleeveless tank top type t-shirts. Some job applicants were found to be simply filling a minimum search quota to satisfy unemployment benefit payments.