Even though such systems are often notoriously frustrating and difficult, companies often require that you complete them.
Here are 5 tips to speed up the process and alleviate at least some of your suffering.
Here are 5 tips to speed up the process and alleviate at least some of your suffering.
To apply for jobs online effectively (and painlessly), follow these steps:
- Allow at least an hour per online application. Plan to spend up to 3 hours to complete the most tedious online forms (The worst offenders: Educational, health care and government/defense industry forms). Work quickly to complete all required boxes. Some systems can “time out” if they are not completed quickly enough.
- When given the option to upload a resume or complete a tediously long form, opt to upload your resume by clicking the “Browse” button to find/upload your resume from your computer. This can save you time and ensure your resume looks like you intended it.
- Create a chronological resume (with your most recent job listed first) in plain text (ASCII) format so you can easily copy/paste it into online templates without reformatting problems. Here’s how.
- Keep answers short so you don’t have to edit them to fit particularly short boxes. Also save your most commonly given responses to a Word document so you can quickly paste the same answers into future forms.
- Create a short, powerful standard cover letter that you can customize quickly to paste into their template if prompted. It should include:
- The position title and company name. “I am very interested in your ABC position at XYZ Corp.”
- Why you are particularly right for the opening, “I have measurable results in THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER THING which makes me particularly suitable for the position.”
- A call to action. “Please contact me at your earliest convenience at PHONE NUMBER or email me at EMAIL ADDRESS to discuss the opportunity.”
- Closing: “Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.” -- NAME
The bottom line: Master online job application systems. Doing so can help you land a job or a better one.
Have an online application form horror story or tip to help others improve their online applications? Share your thoughts via the Contact tab.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Look to WiserU
WiserU provides LinkedIn training and services and career training and services for individuals and organizations that can transform your future or grow your business. Visit WiserU.com to learn more.
Look to WiserU
WiserU provides LinkedIn training and services and career training and services for individuals and organizations that can transform your future or grow your business. Visit WiserU.com to learn more.
- Businesses arrange for WiserU to maximize their use of LinkedIn for sales, marketing, and fundraising through training and services. Learn more
- The unemployed and miserably employed hire WiserU for career training, coaching, interview preparation, and LinkedIn profile and resume creation services. Learn more at wiseru.com/services/
- Subscribe to WiserUTips.com for weekly LinkedIn and career tips!
I think all of these tips are wonderful. Because so many employers are switching to online applications. I have also noticed the increase of job listings on Granted.com. I came a crossed this site while I was job hunting. I was amazed at how many job listings they have. I was able to get the job i am working at today. I would Recommend any one who is looking for a job or thinking about switching career paths to go to Granted.com.
ReplyDelete