Showing my students the basics to filling out an employment application. Read the job posting and carefully note the exact name of the position you are applying for, the name of the hiring manager and other details.A cover letter lets you tell your employment story with some freedom to express yourself. You can explain your qualifications more fully. Need some extra help? This page covers the four most common items a potential employer may ask for in a job application. Save your cover letter to a PDF to avoid formatting issues. Avoid 3 Deadly Traps when Filling Out Job Applications. Describe your unique skills, attributes, and what you can offer the employer. Mention the classes that you have completed that are college level.