Make the most of your online job journey
Ensure your applications form impresses
If you only do one thing...
Check and double check your application form for any errors before pressing the ‘apply now' button.
Organisations recruiting online use application forms to capture information about candidates in the same format so that they can compare applicants more easily. Some recruiters use them instead of requesting a CV, others use both. BAE Systems, for example, asks candidates to fill in a short online form as well as uploading a CV.
"The application form is an opportunity to sell your skills and show a prospective employer that you are right for the job and the organisation," says David Evans, a careers adviser at Lancaster University. "Candidates need to think broadly about their experience before filling in an application form. For example, if you have worked in a bar or restaurant you should be able to demonstrate that you are flexible, adaptable and can work under pressure – key skills for many employees today," he says.
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Make sure your application form stands out
- Do your homework. Carry out some research into the organisation, what it does, who its customers and clients are, and what it's like to work there. Corporate websites, the Internet in general and industry-specific trade magazines are good sources of information.
- Stick to the point. There is little space on an application form so make every word count.
- Refer back to the job description. You want your skills to be as close a match as possible to the skills and experience required. A big advantage of jobs posted online is that recruiters can include much more information than possible in a paper advertisement. Use this information to your advantage.
- Reread your completed application. Before you click the ‘apply now' button, be sure there are no silly mistakes such as spelling errors or inaccurate dates. Try cutting the copy you intend to use into Word to pick up any grammatical or spelling errors and to help with word counts. Make sure you have not missed any opportunities to show that you are what they are looking for.
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Screening questions
You may be asked to complete five or six ‘screening questions' to show you fulfil the minimum requirements for the job before being allowed to continue with your application. These can prevent candidates wasting time and energy applying for inappropriate jobs.
Employers often design one set of screening questions to cover all jobs they advertise online, but some will tailor their questions to a particular role. Questions might cover candidates' availability, eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and basic work experience.
For example, North West travel business, My Travel asks prospective candidates if they are aged over 16 and prepared to work evenings and weekends. Meanwhile, Network Rail asks would-be applicants a range of pre-application questions relating to exam results and their ability to work flexible hours and outdoors.
Screening questions might include:
- Can you demonstrate that you are eligible to work in the UK?
- Are you available for a minimum of 16 hours a week?
- Are you available to work shifts, including weekends?
- Are you happy with the salary range quoted for this job?
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