Mastering the Online Job Application Game: A Step-by-Step Guide
The job search landscape has shifted, with online applications becoming the primary gateway to connecting with potential employers. But navigating this digital realm can feel overwhelming. Fear not! This guide equips you with the essential steps and valuable tips to ace your online job application game:
Related: The Essential Job Search Guide
How to apply for a job online
You need a computer, internet access, an email address, a resume and a cover letter to apply for jobs online. Follow these steps to simplify your online job search and application process:
- Update your resume.
- Update your profile on professional networking platforms.
- Use keywords.
- Use job search engines and company websites.
- Be selective.
- Draft a separate cover letter for each application.
- Complete an online job application.
- Make sure your responses are error-free, accurate and fully completed.
- Track and follow up on your job applications.
- Keep applying.
Job Search Essentials: 10 Steps to Success
1. Update your resume:
- Revise your resume to be current, concise, and tailored to each job you apply for.
- Highlight your skills, experience, and achievements using action verbs and specific examples.
- Use a clear and professional format and proofread meticulously for any typos or grammatical errors.
Read more: 10 Steps for Building A Resume
2. Update your profile on professional networking platforms:
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile and other relevant platforms like GitHub or portfolio websites.
- Showcase your expertise, skills, and accomplishments through your profile summary, experience section, and project descriptions.
- Connect with professionals in your field, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to build your network and increase your visibility.
Related: How to Build Your Work Portfolio
3. Use keywords:
- Identify keywords used in job descriptions that describe the required skills and experience. These keywords are often used by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications.
- Strategically incorporate these keywords throughout your resume, cover letter, and online application, but avoid keyword stuffing.
4. Utilize job search engines and company websites:
- Explore popular job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn Jobs.
- Use filters to narrow down your search by location, industry, job title, salary range, and other preferences.
- Visit company websites directly and search their career sections for potential openings, especially if you have specific employers you’d like to work for.
5. Be selective:
- Don’t waste time applying to positions you don’t qualify for or that aren’t a good fit for your career goals.
- Focus on opportunities that align with your skills, experience, and interests.
6. Draft a separate cover letter for each application:
- Avoid generic cover letters. Tailor each letter to the specific job by highlighting relevant skills and experiences mentioned in the job description.
- Briefly explain how your qualifications make you a perfect fit for the role and provide concrete examples to showcase your abilities.
- Keep your cover letter concise and professional, aiming for one page or less.
Related: Q&A: Should You Include a Cover Letter?
7. Complete the online job application:
- Each online application platform may have different requirements, but most involve creating an account and submitting your resume.
- Be prepared to:
- Upload your resume in an appropriate format (e.g., PDF, Word document).
- Manually enter your work history in some cases.
- Review and verify information automatically populated from your resume.
8. Ensure accuracy and follow-through:
- Proofread all your application materials meticulously for typos, grammatical errors, and factual inaccuracies.
- Track your job applications so you remember details about each position.
- Consider following up with the hiring manager one week after applying or after the application window closes. Express your continued interest and inquire about the next steps.
9. Track and follow up on your job applications:
- Keep track of the jobs you’ve applied for and the stage of the application process for each.
- Maintain clear and organized records to ensure you don’t miss any interview opportunities.
Read more: How to Follow Up on a Job Application
10. Keep applying:
- Job hunting can be a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive an immediate response or encounter initial rejections.
- Stay persistent and keep applying to relevant positions.
- Utilize your network, continue learning and developing your skills, and maintain a positive and confident attitude throughout the process.\
Related: The Essential Job Search Guide
Read : 10 Steps for Building A Resume
Related: How to Build Your Work Portfolio
Related: Q&A: Should You Include a Cover Letter? Read : How to Follow Up on a Job Application