How To Fill Out Online Job Applications
As a college student looking for your college internship or full time job, probably the worst words you want to hear at a career fair are "Please apply online." You know you've heard it. I've heard it. We both dislike it since it implies an absence of action and a "cattle herding" of sorts.
job applications online
The one thing you may not realize is the fact each clients are required by the Federal government to follow their applicants (specifically to ensure the company's hiring practices are not discriminating or doing otherwise illegal things). So the next time a company recruiter says this to you, understand that it is for legal reasons, not because they want to herd you.
The exception for the cattle herding that I've seen is actually by Boeing. At my career fair, they actually failed to accept any resumes in hand, they required all applications, resumes, etc to visit online. More specifically, they required that you do a job search on their site and apply directly to positions that you were thinking about. I honestly didn't apply because I didn't want to spend 5 hours of my valuable time signing up to 20 different jobs for just one company. You might have an alternative opinion on that (or else you may really want to work for Boeing); To each his or her own.
job applications online
Now that we're beyond the cattle herding, let's talk about actually applying online. There are some secrets to filling out the application form that can make it stick out, while saving you time during this process (remember, time is vital here, as you have multiple companies to utilize to! ). Some time is to make sure that you fill in the sections as completely as possible, with job dates, supervisors and all of other pertinent information. Make sure that these details matches the information on the resume - exactly. Have a text document (yes, I mean text editor, not Word) with this information to enable you to copy and paste it right into the web forms.
You should also use a text (again, .txt) version of your own resume readily available for easy copy and pasting. Some companies still don't hold the ability that you should upload anything or PDF version of the resume.
You have to realize that some companies search through the "database of resumes" by using keywords. That is the final secret to this game. If you are only applying for a specific job, then you want to make sure you tailor your resume for this so that your resume has those keywords they are searching for. Take a look at the job description on the website and ask yourself "Self, if I were the hiring manager here, what keywords would I use? " See the best way to bend your resume to make those keywords fit, it shouldn't be that difficult. Worst comes to worse, you can probably fit them in your objective.
When you become a little more knowledgeable about online applications it will be easier that you should fill them out efficiently and correctly. Among the best tips to filling out a great job application - especially online - is to successfully have all your details and that it must be concise and accurate. Be succinct - don't use more words than you must, while there is usually limited room on the application. Once you complete the application, make use of the essential points. Your resume will contribute further information.