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Personal Data Sheet

Adapted by Richard Mover

What is it:

Personal Data Sheet is a convenient way of organizing all the information that will be required to fully complete an application form. Instead of trying to keep track of a number of documents (record of work history, references, address book, etc.), it is helpful to keep this important information all together on a few stapled pages. Everyone will need a Personal Data Sheet, although not everyone will need a resume. Some jobs have never required resumes, and now, even for professional positions, there are many agencies and companies that will no longer accept resumes. If you have decided that you need to have a resume, do not be concerned if some of the material on your Personal Data Sheet is duplicated on your resume. Each document is used for a different purpose.

How to use it:

As a resource in filling out application forms independently. Not all applications ask for the same information - some may ask for an emergency contact; most ask for three personal references but some ask for four; some want mailing addresses for elementary, junior high and high schools. You can be caught short when filling out applications at the personnel office if you try to rely strictly on your memory and your resume.

For a reader/scribe. If you will need help in completing application forms, a Personal Data Sheet is one way of insuring that spelling is correct and information is accurate. It also will cut down on the amount of talking that will go on in the personnel office as you fill out the form - you will draw less attention to yourself and will appear more organized and professional by having planned ahead. It is preferable to take a reader/scribe with you to fill out application forms, but if you need to rely on the office secretary or receptionist, a Personal Data Sheet will give you more control.

What to include:

• Your whole name
• Local (current) address
• Permanent address
• Telephone number
• Alternate telephone number
• Emergency contact person (name, address, telephone number)
• Social Security Number
• Driver's license or Texas identification card number
• Education (name of school, address, years attended, degree or certificate earned, year it was awarded, credit hours achieved, major and minor concentrations).
• Work History (name of business, address, telephone number, supervisor's name, start and end dates for employment, job title, brief description of job duties, starting and ending salary, reason for leaving). Include all this information for every job you have held. List on your Personal Data Sheet with the most recent job first and working back to the earliest.
• Special Skills as appropriate (typing speed, computer programs, foreign languages, additional equipment you can use if it applies to the job you are seeking).
• References (name, occupation, address, telephone number) Ideally you will have a number of references to choose from to support different types of jobs, but make sure you have at least three. Before you list someone as a reference, ask them first!

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