Thursday, September 25, 2008

Submit Online Job Applications Successfully

Do you get intimidated when you find a job that looks perfect for, you but you’ve got to submit your application online? Even when you’ve been introduced to an interested hiring manager or recruiter, most companies have mandatory online job applications that need to be completed to process you for the position. Technology is increasingly becoming user friendly but the length and complexity of online applications can be challenging. Below are tips for a successful online application submission

Time is not on your side – Most applications have a time limit on completing online applications, and for most, the time allotted isn’t enough. If possible, download and save or print out the application before you actually apply. This puts you in control of your time, and allows you to complete the application at your leisure, and gives you ample time to locate all the information asked for. Once you’ve got all the information you need, you can cut and past all the answers into the actual application site, giving you enough time to complete the process accurately.

Many times they ask for your cover letter and / or references so make sure you have all the documents you need at hand before you begin the process. Your cover letter shows the hiring manager your character, interest in the position and is your voice. If at all possible make sure to include it.

Download your resume accurately – Often application sites will ask that you cut and paste your resume to their site. To do this right you need an application-friendly version of your resume and cover letter. Usually they are looking for your documents in a text version, sometimes called scannable, electronic or ASCII resumes. These documents have had all the formatting removed and don’t look very pretty. The documents in a text version can process through the filters and applications much easier then one in a word version.

Hint: if the application asks you to attach a document, they are looking for your presentation resume in word (.doc) version. If it is asking you to cut and paste your document, they are looking for your ASCII resume in the text (.txt) version.

Save every page – Remember to save every page of the application. If you move to the next page without saving the current page you are working on, in most cases your information will be lost. Usually it will say this in the instructions but incase you miss it; remember to save as you work. Many times you can go back and make changes and resave if you need too. Some application sites even let you leave the site and return later as long as you save each page.

Read the instructions – Every application process is a little different then the last. Make sure you read everything completely and answer all the questions. Leaving areas blank can send the wrong message, such as you can’t complete tasks, don’t follow directions properly or are not familiar with computers. In any case, completing the questions give you a better chance to express your interests and your skills. Some questions may seem unrelated, but many times the hiring managers are looking for something extra that will help them determine your potential fit into a team, department or company.

Advantages of online submission – When you apply online and send your resume through the cut and paste process, all of the formatting is removed and the only thing left is the content. If you’ve got the skills and experience a company is looking for it will be sorted and noticed during the filter process. For employers they save on paper shuffling and can use the information a number of ways to easily compare candidates as they narrow their selections. This is one more reason why resume content is so critical, if you don’t have hard achievements to back up your experience on the resume it just might get passed over.

Applying for positions online is still a viable way of sending resumes to companies; it is also convenient for the job seeker because it can be done at night or on the weekends. Getting your name out through networking and meeting new contacts is still the best avenue to find jobs, but you will be called upon to use online application throughout your job search process and is a task you should master.