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.

Top 10 reasons why job seekers hate applying online

I asked job seekers what they thought of online job sites (aka applicant tracking systems). They had a LOT to say.

The overriding theme of their responses? They HATE them. Here are their top 10 reasons why. Do you agree? 

10) Requiring me to remember your convoluted password is annoying. "Really? You expect me to remember your computer-generated password made up of special characters? Let me pick my own."

9) Your online form doesn’t allow me to answer accurately. “Not all people fit into your cookie cutter answer options.”

8) You demand information that I cannot possibly remember. "Do you really think I recall the exact day that I graduated from elementary school? Come on!”

7) Your system is RIDICULOUSLY labor intensive. "Why do you have me upload my resume and then ask me to type the exact same information into your forms?"

6) Your lack of response to my submission is appalling. "I spend HOURS completing your form and then you don't even have the decency to notify me that I have been rejected? What's up with that?"

5) Your system takes the human element out of recruiting. "You are missing great candidates by focusing purely on your flawed application data."

4) Your system is broken! "It wouldn't allow me to apply (or even notify you of the problem), so I gave up. Your loss."

3) Asking me for my birth date is invasive. "It gives you carte blanche to discriminate against me due to my age."

2) Requiring that I type an exact salary requirement into a box is insulting. "Picking the lowest bidder is a ridiculous way to fill a position. You will get what you deserve."

And the number one biggest complaint? …

1) Requiring my social security number on your online form is dangerous and should be outlawed! "Said one succinct job seeker, “Asking me to give up my privacy rights before [you've extended me] an offer? Bite me!"

Hopefully human resources professionals will take these job seekers' comments to heart and make their application tracking systems better.

What do YOU think of applicant tracking systems? Share your thoughts! 

Applying online is a necessary evil! Visit the WiserU's Job Tips by Topic page to learn how to apply for jobs more successfully.

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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!