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You may need to collect several different kinds of information and records in order to apply for a job.
Past employment information
Gather and list information about all of your past employers for your resume and/or job applications. You’ll need this information for each job or volunteer experience:
- Name and location (city and state) of the business or employer
- Title of your position
- Dates you were employed or volunteered. Try to find the day, month, and year of your start and end dates if possible. Some job applications request that level of detail.
- A brief description of your tasks or duties
Education and training records
You’ll also need information about schools and training programs you’ve attended and the degrees or other credentials you earned.
- Make a list of school or program names, locations (city and state), dates you attended or graduated, areas of study, and any degrees or awards you earned
- List any professional certifications you've earned
- If you have a state-issued professional license, such as a nursing or teaching license, note your license number, type, state it's issued in, and expiration date
- Keep a copy of high school and college transcripts as these are needed to apply for certain jobs
Driver's license or state ID
Many employers ask for identification during the application process. A driver's license or state ID is the most widely used picture identification.
Visit State Resource Finder to find out how to renew or obtain a driver's license in your state.
Social Security card
You will likely need to show your Social Security card to apply for a job. If you need a replacement card, you can create an account and apply online at
www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. You could also visit a
Social Security office near you. For help to obtain a card, call 800.772.1213, or by TTY at 800.325.0778.
Birth certificate and other vital documents
You may need a copy of your birth certificate to get a driver's license or to prove that you are eligible to work in the United States. To request yours, call or write to the vital records office in the state you were born.
Visit State Resource Finder to find your state's office.
Criminal record, or RAP Sheet
To make sure that employers see an accurate version of your criminal record, request a copy for yourself. If needed, review your record with a legal professional or someone from the probation or parole office. Make sure you understand the information in your record.
Visit State Resource Finder to learn how to get a copy of your record.