Applying to jobs can feel like a full-time job. You spend so much time looking for the right fit and polishing your resume and cover letter to perfection and that’s before you start the interview process. Your hard work will pay off and lead to a paycheck faster if you follow these best practices for your online job application.
Update Your Application for Each Job:
Edit your resume and cover letter for each job. When you apply to jobs online, your application often goes through software called an applicant tracking system that sifts through the applications by searching for keywords related to the job description. By including some of the key skills and responsibilities from the job description in your cover letter, it is more likely your application will get seen by the hiring manager.
Take Time to Fill Everything Out:
Some companies will let you include a cover letter or letter of intent, but they don’t make it mandatory. Your application will stand out if you put in the extra effort and complete the entire application. The cover letter and letter of intent give you an opportunity to showcase your strengths, show your communication skills, and make the case for why you are the right candidate and why you are excited about the role and company. If you are applying for a job on LinkedIn, the platform sometimes doesn’t let you attach a resume and cover letter and the various assignments. Read the instructions on the job posting carefully because you may need to upload your resume, cover letter, and assignments into one PDF.
Keep it Simple:
When you are applying online, use a common, easy-to-read font and simple formatting for your resume and cover letter because the applicant tracking software might not be able to read more complicated formatting. Save them as a PDF so the formatting doesn’t change and save it as your first and last name and cover letter or resume. When you attach your resume for some online applications it will automatically fill out the application with your experience and education, but sometimes the formatting looks sloppy. Take a few minutes to clean it up.
Streamline the Process:
When you create a profile on a jobs board like Monster, you can upload your resume and recruiters will reach out to you if there is a fit. Use LinkedIn to get notifications when your target companies post new jobs and set alerts for the job titles you’re aiming for and your location. You can also update your LinkedIn so recruiters can see that you are job searching and the types of roles. Make sure you select recruiters only so connections at your company don’t see that you have one foot out the door and know that it is possible recruiters from your company could still see it.
Get a Referral:
The best way to make sure your application gets seen by a hiring manager is to have someone at the company send it to them directly. If you know someone who works at the company, let them know you applied online, attach your cover letter and resume, and any extra information you had to fill out like a short assignment, and ask if they will pass it along to the hiring manager if they are comfortable. If it is someone you worked with in the past, ask if they would put in a good word for you. Otherwise, just ask if they will send your resume and cover letter to HR or the hiring manager. Not sure if you know someone at the company or know someone who does? Go to the company page on LinkedIn and search through current employees. You can click to see who went to your college or university and send a cold email. Many companies offer bonuses to employees who refer a candidate who gets selected, so it can end up being a win for them as well!
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