NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF

COLLEGES AND EMPLOYERS (NACE):

APPLYING ONLINE, July 21, 2005

The following are some tips for applying online that appear in Job Choices, a NACE publication.  

·         Follow directions. Be careful to enter the correct data in the correct field.

·         Ask for advice on completing the application from a company recruiter or an alumnus who may work at the organization.

·         Tailor your application information to the position. Don't copy and paste text from your generic resume.

·         Use key words, buzz words, and industry verbiage. Use the verbiage in the job ad as your model. Employers search on key words when they're looking for people to fill specific positions.

·         Create a skills inventory section if the application doesn't require it. You might put this in a "comments" section.

·         You should also include remarks in the "comments" section that demonstrate you have researched the company and industry.

·         Include numbers and statistics that demonstrate your achievements or responsibilities. For instance, say "Counted five cash drawers daily; responsible for more than $10,000 per 8-hour shift."

·         Complete all fields—even those that aren't required.

·         If the company offers an optional assessment test online, take it. (One employer recently admitted that students who don't take the "optional" assessment test are automatically screened out.)

·         In some cases, you may be asked to attach your resume to or paste it into the application. Make sure your resume can hold its own in a very simple format: Fancy bullets, text, italics, and bold do not convert well in an electronic application. (Many employers scan paper resumes into their applicant systems. As a result, even if you aren't required to apply online, there's a good chance that your information will end up in the same place as if you had, so keeping your resume format simple is good advice whether or not you're applying online.)

·         If possible, spell check and grammar check your application before submitting it. It's important that your application be error-free because it serves as the employer's first impression of you.

·         Include a strong objective. Ask a career counselor to help you word your objective.

·         Follow-up your electronic application with a personal e-mail to the recruiter. A follow-up phone call is acceptable if the job posting or ad does not say, "No phone calls."