How to Become Proficient in Completing Online Job Applications

In today's economy it is important to be able to complete an online application when seeking employment. In order to get the attention you need and successfully obtain a position. Job seekers should be able to utilize the internet and be proficient at sending your information to prospective employers.

There are many sites where you can post your resume online and complete an online job application. Many sites let you upload an existing resume with the click of a button, and other sites, you can cut and paste or use a resume building wizard. There are also resume posting services that will post your resume to the top sites for you. Usually once you have uploaded a resume or built your profile to a site, you are then able to search for available jobs. When you have found one of interest, you can submit your resume or application with the click of your mouse.

If you are interested in working for a particular company visit their website. Career information is usually listed in the "About Us," "Employment" section of the site or "Career Opportunities." A key component is to follow the instructions for searching for and applying to jobs online that each company posts on their site.

What you will need will include: your contact information, educational background, days and availability to work, employment history, when you worked, what you were paid, specific tasks and skills involved, and personal/business references. There are many websites where you can download an application and complete it before you start your online applications. You will have all the information you need, ready to enter in one location.

Companies are increasingly using automated systems to screen resumes prior to sending them to recruiters and hiring managers. Apply at a few companies that you are not really interested in, to get practice - thus, when you are really interested, you have the experience to make a good impression.

One thought is that a resume and cover letter make a better impression on the employer's desk and that you may get lost in a database. Many companies, however, no longer accept paper resumes. In some cases, job seekers are required to register and to build an employment profile. Once you've built your profile, you can apply for jobs online and set up search agents to email you when new jobs are added to the system. Other companies may give you an option. Some companies for example, will accept either an online employment application, an online resume, or a faxed resume.

Online applicants can often utilize the Employer's resume builder that walks you through the process of resume writing or you can copy/paste an existing resume into the resume builder. Walmart and many other company's online job application system is simpler. There are instructions for sending your resume via email in each job posting or you can click on the "apply for this job" link to open your email client, paste your resume into the email and click send.

Small companies are often more flexible because they are not managing a large number of resumes or hiring many employees. Before you spend time sending a paper resume and cover letter, review the job posting for application instructions and/or check with the company web site. Review how the company wants you to apply and follow the directions.

Positives for Employers include opening mail, filing, resume retention and problems with resume retrieval for subsequent positions are eliminated, access to qualified candidates is easy through the search functions that can be set up in many databases, and with online submissions the amount of paper in the office is minimized. On the flip side, applicants can apply online for specific positions at any time that is convenient, job seekers can keep track more easily of the positions they have applied for, and applicants are more competitive in today's job market.

Being prepared for your interview is another key factor in being successful at landing the job. It is also important to keep track of where you have applied. If you have multiple copies of your resume, keep track of which one you sent.

Resumes you should have prepared include print, scannable, plain text and an email version. The print version should be eye appealing with bulleted lists, italicized text, and other highlights to hand to potential contacts and interviewers. Your scannable version should be simpler without the fancy design highlights. Bulleted lists are fine, but that is about the limit. A plain text file ready to copy and paste into online forms or online databases is a must. Sometimes this also referred to as the text-only copy. Finally, an email version, (which is text-only) and formatted for the length of line restrictions in emails.

Persistence in job search is an integral component. Employers are inundated with job applications and resumes. Be prepared and be professional; your next position is just around the corner. Also stay alert for online opportunities, search engines and virtual job fairs. If you need assistance in completing online job applications, visit your local library or JobLink system.