Online Job Applications
Online Job Applications
What is the job about?
Before you start typing, take some time to find out more about the specific job to which you are applying and the company in general. Not only will this help you decide whether this opportunity is the right one for you, but it can also help you identify the needs of the post and the values of the company, which you can then reflect in your application. Resources you can use include company websites and any literature provided by the company.
What employers say about research
“You'd be amazed at the number of applications we get from people who don't even know basic facts about the company or the opportunity for which they're applying. How can we tell you've researched? By the fact that your answers give examples of the competencies we're looking for, and that your genuine interest in the industry comes across”.
Follow the instructions
Employers may provide information and advice on completing their application form at the beginning of the process, or at each stage. Even if you have completed (online) applications for other companies, make sure you read all of this information as it may include details specific to the (online) system this company is using such as details of correctly saving applications.
What employers say about following basic instructions
"The 'Hints and Tips' page at the beginning of our application form is there to help you! (Online) applications differ from company to company. Make sure you read all the information provided about how to use each form."
Good Language, Spelling and Grammar
(Online) applicationsneed the same level of attention to detail as paper applications. Informal language and shorthand which you may use in email and text messages to friends is not appropriate for an application form. Always read through your answers before submitting your (online) form. If you are drafting your answers in a word processing document, you may be able to use an automatic spelling and grammar check. However, if you are using these automatic checks, you should still read through your answers, as they are not guaranteed to pick up all errors.
What employers say about language, spelling and grammar
"Use the spell check and grammar check on your computer. Get a friend to read over the form. Have your answers checked by a Careers Adviser. With this many options there is no excuse for poor language, spelling or grammar on your application form. You might have great experience, but if you don't pay attention to the small detail, it just looks sloppy."
Chronological Order
When detailing qualifications and work experience, the general rule is to place the in reverse chronological order - i.e. the most recent experience first. On online applications the form may prompt you to do this automatically. In any instance always stick to this order unless otherwise specified.
When applying online
Tips
- Find somewhere quiet where you can concentrate to complete the form
- Think about the email address you use. Is it one you check regularly? Does it give the initial impression you want to give i.e. is it business appropriate?
Useful resources
Drafting Your Answers
You are highly unlikely to write the perfect answer to a question first time round, and you don't want to be submitting an answer that is incomplete. So, the best thing to do is to draft your answers to the application form before starting on the real thing. When you are completing online application forms, you may have the option to print off the questions or save them to your computer to work off-line. If you have a copy of the questions, you can draft your answers in a word processing document which allows you to use functions such as word count and spell check, and then cut and paste these into the application form.
When faced with an open question (e.g. 'give me an example of...') always ask yourself 'why are they asking me this?'. Look at the job advert / company literature for clues about the skills and qualities they are looking for - this is when your research can help you.
Tips:
- Think about what the employer needs to know about you as an individual which will help them to understand why you are the right person for the job.
- Think about how your academic, work and life experiences can help illustrate your suitability. It is no use just saying 'I am a good team player', you need to show examples of this.
- Make sure that you are using positive language to describe your experiences.
- Make sure you use the word 'I' and not 'we'. Your application is for you, not the team that you worked in.
- Even a relevant experience which was a little negative at the time can show you in a good light if you are able to say why something didn't work out and how you would do it differently second time around.
- Honesty is the best policy. Although you should be selling yourself, stick to the truth. Even if you could get a job by being economical with the truth, you might not keep it long when you get found out.
- Print or download a copy of your completed application form so that you can refer to it later on in the recruitment process. If it isn't clear whether you will be able to save the completed application form direct from the employer's website, you might like to think about saving your answers in a word processing document as you go along.
What employers say about drafting your answers
"It really shows when candidates haven't spent time thinking about and drafting their answers. Make sure you have communicated yourself and your experience effectively. Remember - we aren't psychic, we only know what you've written on the application form!"
Think!
You don't need to stay online when you are spending time thinking about your answers. On some online forms you can print the relevant pages out, download the whole form, or copy and paste the questions into a word processing document and work on your answers offline. This lessens the risk of you submitting an application form that isn't complete.