Mastering the art of online job applications

Applying for a job with the click of a button - you wouldn't think there was all that much to it. But getting online applications just right is important to the overall success of your job search.

Julian Sear from Reed Personnel Services shares his top tips for online job applications that work.

1. Always be selective
According to Sear, too many of us are unleashing our inner spam bots and taking a scatter-gun approach to online job applications.

“Many online jobseekers ‘try their luck’ by applying for dozens of jobs that don’t match their skills or career goals,” he says. Instead, Sear suggests kick-starting your job search with a clear focus and considered game plan: “Recruitment agents receive up to 400 applications from all over the world on any given day, so the most discerning jobseekers are always the most successful.”

Strategy-wise, consider exactly what job you want, before making a list of potential employers. And once your dream job is in your sights, start drafting a tailored cover letter to stave off the competition.

2. Address selection criteria
It may come as no surprise, but according to Sear, applications that address selection criteria are very much in favour. “Just like a traditional job application, your online job application should clearly address the selection criteria in the ad,” he says.

Remember, many employers determine whether you’ll be selected for an interview by assessing your application against their selection criteria. “Demonstrate you can meet their requirements by responding with relevant examples of your professional knowledge, experience, and skills,” Sear says.

3. Tailor your resume
All jobs are different, so Sear advises you customise your resume for each one you apply for. “Always tailor your professional skills and experience to meet the position description,” says Sear. “Don’t fabricate anything, but do use your resume to highlight how you can meet each employer’s unique needs.”

4. Use a current resume
“It's one thing to save your resume to a job website to make applying for jobs easier, but you have to ensure that it’s updated every couple of months or when you have something noteworthy to include,” says Sear.

So don't be shy about adding new courses, skills, memberships, responsibilities, or relevant achievements to your resume as soon as you accomplish them. You may be surprised to find that the reason you’re not being called in for interviews isn’t because you’re unsuitable for the jobs you’re applying for, but because the resume you’re using is significantly out of date.

5. Stand out from the crowd
Let's face it - online job-hunting is competitive. To outshine your rivals, Sear recommends using a ‘hook’ to capture a potential employer’s attention up front. “Email subject lines, or the first few lines of your response, are what employers look at. So always impress them enough to read on by demonstrating why you’re suitable for the job, and what sets you apart from other jobseekers.”

6. Follow up with a phone call
It's important to follow up your online job application with a phone call, so you can have a professional conversation with your potential employer that demonstrates your interest and initiative. Preparation is crucial; it's not enough to talk aimlessly – make notes of key points so you’re clear and concise. “Treat your follow-up phone call as another important step in your online job application,” says Sear.

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