How to improve your odds when applying for jobs online

Ever feel like you're sending your resume into a pit of no return when you apply for a job online? If you aren't setting up your resume correctly or aren't using the right words, that very well could be the case. 

Watch the intro video about Applying for Positions

That's because more than 75% of job applications are rejected because of improper formatting (such as using a font that isn't readable by the system or using unusual bullets), or because they used a generic resume instead of matching the job description as closely as possible. 

Online job applications are VERY tricky, but there is a way to master them to improve your chances of getting an interview dramatically. 

That's what I teach in Module 2 of the WiserU Career System when I talk about EXACTLY how to apply online -- step by step.  Watch the video to learn what I mean. 

Online job applications are a necessary evil, but you can learn to make the most of them in your job search. Check out the WiserU Career System to learn more.

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About the WiserU Career System

The groundbreaking WiserU Career System, a web-based system created by WiserU's Kathy Bernard consisting of progressive video tutorials, action guides, templates, and a community forum, will train you exactly what to do and say to improve your job chances. 

The WiserU Career System

It will not only reveal to you what you want to do, it will also teach you how to:

• Articulate what you want and why you're the best job candidate
• Apply for jobs on employer sites, which reject up to 95% of applications because they don't match the job or are improperly formatted
• Transform your resume to score extremely high for positions
• Create cover letters, emails and samples that get results
• Develop a strong LinkedIn profile to increase your chances dramatically
• Enlist recruiters to get the inside track on opportunities
• Network your way into contention
• Interview with confidence
• Negotiate salary to overcome objections and get more money 
• Excel on the job -- which is essential for your career success 

If you are a recent college graduate, a miserably employed young adult (or know someone who is), learn more about the WiserU Career System and get started today at WiserU.com/career-system. 

Proceed through the system at your own pace -- watch the videos ... study the action guides ... complete the resume and LinkedIn profile templates ... and get expert help through the community forum. Get started today and transform your career!  Questions? Contact Sue Lopez at 847-606-5160 or susan@wiseru.com

View these videos to learn about each module:

• Choosing the Job You Want (Getting Started)
• Applying for Positions
• Transforming Your Resume
• Creating Standout Cover Letters, Emails & Samples
• Developing Your LinkedIn Presence
• Enlisting Recruiters in Your Job Search
• Networking Your Way into the Job
• Interviewing with Confidence
• Negotiating Salary
• Excelling on the Job

Seasoned job seeker? While the WiserU Career System is for recent graduates, the guidance provided is rock solid whether you are just getting started or are already well-established. Either way, the WiserU Career System can help you land a better, higher paying position.

What to expect from the job search while expecting

Just as you were getting excited about the arrival of your bundle of joy, you got laid off, and now, you have to look for a job while pregnant. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, discriminating against a pregnant woman is illegal, but when you arrive at an interview with a big baby bump, you already know that your chances of being hired are diminished. 

Before you get too discouraged, keep in mind that many mamas-to-be have traveled this same road before and many have successfully landed their perfect job. 

Try these smart tips for job hunting while pregnant.

10 ways to land a job BESIDES applying online

I asked job seekers how they landed jobs in ways other than (or in addition to) applying online. 

Here are 10 ways they landed positions, plus their comments about why their ideas worked. 

Rejected for a job? How to find out why

Determine why you were rejected
and resolve to overcome the
reason the next time.

Being rejected for a job that you really want hurts. And it’s confusing. You wonder why the company didn’t want you. And you worry that you are unknowingly doing something wrong that is causing you to lose out on opportunities.

The good news … if there is any good news in being rejected … is that you can often learn why you didn’t get the job and receive helpful advice from companies that didn’t hire you. Here’s how:

The 15 exact steps to landing a job

Job seeking can seem frustratingly complex, but focusing on 15 core steps can set you on the direct path to a new job. Do you agree with the list? What’s missing?

Take these 15 steps to land a job: 

Click links for detailed help about each step.

10 reasons why job seekers HATE applying online

Recently, I asked job seekers what they thought of online job application systems. The overriding theme of their responses? They HATE them. 

Here are their top reasons why. Do you agree?

How to land a job in a different city

Take these steps to land a job in a
different city.

People  often ask me how to land a job in a different city. Some had given up on finding work in their community. Others want to pursue a new adventure, be closer to a loved one, or find a better paying position elsewhere. Many just want to expand their job search to a wider area.

Regardless of their reason, I give them the same advice: Establish yourself as a local, even if you don’t yet live in your target city. Why? 

Dear Hiring Company: Here’s what I think of your online application form

What do you think about applying online?

If you had a chance, what would YOU tell hiring companies about their online job application process? Share your opinions and suggestions via the Contact tab.

15 ways to land your dream job

Struggling to secure the job that you’ve got your heart set on? 

In this tough economic climate, finding meaningful work that you’ll love can be difficult. It’s not impossible though, if you learn how to stand out.

Let’s look at 15 awesome ways to land your dream career:

How to answer tricky assessment test questions

There are moments in life when you will be asked questions you simply can’t answer well including, "Does my rear end look fat in these jeans?" Possibly the hardest questions of all to answer are those posed in pre-employment personality tests given by hiring companies.

Fortunately, there are helpful articles online where you can learn how to answer tricky questions.

Unfortunately, they are maddeningly hard to locate because there are so many different types of assessments tests and way too many irrelevant articles cluttering up the web. Despite that, it’s worth the trouble to dig for answers because even though the test administrator may say there are no ‘correct’ answers, there are, of course, correct answers, and it will be these answers that will get you the job.

To answer tricky assessment test questions well, you will need common sense, your wits and an understanding that these tests … and your answers … don’t necessarily relate to the real world.

How to find and contact a hiring manager

Here’s a great way to find out who the likely hiring manager is at a company and then email your resume to him or her after you’ve applied online.

6 ways to SHOW and TELL you are the best job candidate

I met with a talented job seeker who said something that struck me. When I asked him why he hadn't included a major success story in his resume (that he had mentioned over lunch), he humbly responded that his work had always spoken for itself.

I said to him if a recruiter doesn’t know you, hasn't seen your samples, and doesn’t understand your line of work; your work isn’t saying a thing. You have to SHOW and TELL hiring companies why you are the top candidate. Here’s how.

How to email a hiring manager after applying for a job

Increase your chances:
Email the hiring manager

Recently I wrote about how to find and contact hiring managers at your target companies. Now let’s talk a bit more about the best ways to reach them and what to say when you do.

If the hiring manager is a second degree connection to you on LinkedIn (a friend of one of your first degree LinkedIn connections), you may want to click the button, “Get introduced through a connection” on his/her LinkedIn profile page and follow the prompts. This will allow your connection to forward a brief message to the person.

Alternatively, you can ask your friend to forward an email with your resume to the hiring manager and put in a good word for you. This is a better option if would like to include attachments in the email. (Another option would be to send the hiring manager a LinkedIn InMessage, but this requires paying a monthly LinkedIn upgrade cost and the process does not allow attachments.

A better option may be to email the hiring manager directly. But what if the person is a third degree connection and LinkedIn will only show you his/her first name and first initial, such as Joe C.? Usually finding the person’s last name is pretty simple. Here’s how:

Type what you DO know about the person into the Google search box.

If you can only see the first letter of the person’s last name, type the first name, title and company name into the Google search bar and look for the person’s full name in the search results.

Email the hiring manager
Once you know the person’s full name, seek out his or her email address on Google. Here’s how:

Type the person’s name, the company name and the word “email” into the search box.

Type the person's name, company name and the word “email” into the Google search box to see if his/her contact information comes up in the search findings. Can’t find it? Then guess the address based on a coworker’s address. For example, if you know Bob Brown’s company’s email address is bbrown@blank.com, type the hiring manager’s first initial and last name with @blank.com into the search bar to see if the person’s email address shows up in the search results.

For hard-to-find email addresses, type what you THINK the email may be in the search box. 

Test variations until a viable email address for the person appears in the results.

Once you have the person’s email address, write something like:

Name, I just applied for your JOB TITLE position, but I am so interested in the opportunity, I wanted to reach out to you directly because my background makes me particularly well suited for the position.

You seek someone with [A, B, C and D JOB REQUIREMENTS]. As you can see in my attached resume, I’ve had handled all of these duties and more with measurable success for PAST COMPANY NAME(s) and would relish doing the same for COMPANY NAME.

I would love to speak with you about the opportunity. When might be a good time to meet? I am available this week. Next week is also good for me.

I can be reached at PHONE NUMBER or EMAIL ADDRESS. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon. -- YOUR NAME.

Be sure to attach your resume and other documents such as samples (or include a link to your online portfolio) and a list of your LinkedIn recommendations.

Next time, I will share how to reach out to the hiring manager by phone.

How do you influence the hiring manager when you apply for a job? Share your comments on Getajobtips.com or on the LinkedIn discussion board that might have brought you to the blog. -- Kathy

Related articles

Following up by email
Following up by phone

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Look to us for expert services and support!

We provide training and services for job seekers, new grads and students including:

• Expert resume creation / optimization
• Expert LinkedIn profile creation / optimization
• Career coaching
• Job interview preparation
• Group/class LinkedIn training 
• Group/class career training (resumes, applying online, etc.)
• Individual LinkedIn training
• Recruiter reach services to connect top recruiters to you

To learn more or to get started, visit Services or contact Sue at 847-606-5160 or susanATwiseru.com

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How to learn if employees hate their company before you apply

Want to find out if current staffers despise their company before you submit your resume for an open position? 

You can often learn what employees think (good or bad) through three excellent online sources. Learning this information can keep you from making a wrong career decision. 

Here's how to learn the scoop on hiring companies:

Tricks for completing online job application forms

Online job application systems are a necessary evil!

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.

Should you admit you don't have a required job skill?

Q. If I lack a skill required for a position, should I admit I don’t have it or not mention it and hope for the best?

A. It’s tough to be 100% qualified for jobs. That's why I tell job seekers to go ahead and apply if they have at least 85% of the job requirements since companies will often consider a strong candidate who comes close to meeting all of their expectations. But what if you lack a skill that is considered a deal breaker? Should you not mention it and hope they hire you anyway?

I advise doing the following:

How to quickly check the best job sites

Regularly check top job sites.

I compiled a comprehensive job site list based on readers' recommendations. These sites include both sites that list full-time jobs, as well as sites that promote temporary, temp-to-hire and contract positions. 

The list also includes a section with the best St. Louis job sites since that’s my home base.

How to follow-up by email after applying for a job

Last week, I shared how to follow-up by phone after applying for a job. Now, let’s focus on how to follow-up by email after you’ve tried calling about an opening.

You’ve mustered your courage and called the hiring manager about an open position. Unfortunately the person was busy or seemed annoyed that you called.

What do you do now?

How to follow up by phone about a job opening

Job Seeker Q and A

Q: Should I follow up with a hiring company by phone after applying for a job?

How to land a job when you are 40+

I've noticed that most of the people who attend my career workshops are over age 40.

This tells me three things about 40+ year olds …