SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR A JOB

APPLICATION
Supporting Documents for a Job Application and DOs and
DON’Ts in Job Application
 
When you're applying for a job, an employer may want more information than just a
copy of your resume and cover letter. The company may request what is known as
"supporting documentation" to complete your application. Knowing what to include and
how to include it will help you stay in the running for the role.
 
What Are Supporting Documents?
Supporting documentation for a job application can include a resume, a cover
letter, educational transcripts, writing samples, Veterans' Preference documents,
portfolios, certifications, a reference list, letters of recommendation, and other
documentation as specified in the job posting. The information that is required varies
depending on the job and the employer's hiring requirements.
Note: Generally, employers will specify which documents they would like you to include
with your application.
If not, feel free to ask the hiring manager or HR representative what kind of
supporting documentation to send. Be sure to follow all their instructions about what to
send and how to send it. (For example, official transcripts would usually be sent directly
from the school or institution concerned.)
 
Why Do Employers Request Supporting Documentation?
Getting supporting documentation from candidates helps companies evaluate
applications. For many employers, a resume (or a resume and cover letter) provides all
the information they require. Other employers need more information to determine
which applicants they will interview and eventually hire.

            The reason for requesting information is to get a full picture of you as a

candidate, or to provide confirmation of the details listed in your resume or job
application. For instance, requiring a transcript as supporting documentation allows
employers to confirm that you graduated, as well as your GPA.
Requesting documentation can also be a test of whether or not applicants can
follow instructions. If a job posting states that candidates must submit a list of
references with their application, hiring managers can immediately eliminate all
applicants who did not submit references
 
List of Supporting Documents
Below is a list of supporting documents that you may need to submit along with an
employment application:
 Resume
 Cover Letter
 Reference list
 Letters of Recommendation
 Transcript
 Portfolio
 Writing Sample (Essay, articles or other writing samples)
 Employment Certificate
 Certifications (e.g. Teaching or computer certifications)
 
How to Submit Supporting Documentation
Gathering up all this information at one time, whether it’s during the application
process or after an initial interview, is hugely helpful to employers. It allows the hiring
manager to have all the pertinent information about candidates to hand, and cuts back
on follow-up emails and phone calls to request more documents.
 
Bringing Documentation to a Job Interview
If the company asks for supporting documentation to be brought to the
interview, bring a photocopy of each of the requested documents with you to leave with
the hiring manager.
Also be sure that you have everything else you need ready to bring with you to the
interview.