Applying for jobs online has become the norm. Generally, it's a win-win situation for both sides involved: Job seekers have a broad range of opportunities and the convenience of applying for multiple jobs from home, while employers can leverage automated systems to select the best candidates. However, the online application process can be daunting.
With numerous platforms to register, different requirements and application processes, and applicant tracking systems (ATSs) to dribble, many candidates experience a feeling described as job-hunting fatigue.
The bad news is that there's no way around it—online job applications have come to stay. The good news is that with a little strategy and organization, you can successfully navigate this process and stand out from the crowd of applicants.
In this article, we will teach you how to apply for a job online with 10 tips that not only will help you land an interview but also hopefully make your job hunting journey less stressful.
Looking for that perfect role? One of these open jobs on The Muse might just be the one »
How to apply for a job online: before, during, and after
From the start, applying for a job online requires four basic elements: a digitized version of your resume and cover letter, a professional email address, a good internet connection, and a handful of patience. Below we lay out essential tips for each step of the application process.
1. Write an ATS-friendly resume
Most companies use applicant tracking systems to filter candidates from online applications. This type of software quickly sorts and scans resumes to find the best “match” to a predetermined role. That's why writing an ATS-friendly resume is the first step in applying for jobs online—if your resume is not a match, it might not get selected. But how do you do it?
Simply put, your resume should be tailored to the specific role you're applying for and have keywords from the job description. Keywords in job descriptions include skills, experience, certifications, and education. For instance, “time management,” “HTML, C, and Java,” and “B.S in Computer Science” are often key requirements and terms used in software development job postings. (Here's how to read a job description the right way.)
Unless the employer asks for a creative resume, always use a simple and minimalist resume template with one column, standard fonts, and font sizes (for example, Arial 11), and no graph elements to make it easier to be scanned.
2. Have two versions of your resume
If you have a diverse professional background and are applying for different types of positions, you should have two versions of your resume, properly formatted for each role. This makes the online application process faster and easier, as you won't have to redo the whole thing at every new submission, only minor adjustments.
3. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated
Hiring managers often search for candidates on LinkedIn. Thus, your profile should always be updated with all the relevant experience, certifications, education, and skills for the job you intend to land. If you have a portfolio (and it's requested in your field) add the link to the “site” section.
Like your resume, your LinkedIn profile should also include some relevant keywords to make it easily found. For instance, if you're a data analyst experienced with sales, and that's exactly what you'd like to do in your next role, you could add “Data analyst | Sales chain expert” to your title.
Don't forget to update your picture and your header, if needed. The more clean and professional, the better. Remember that your profile is going to be the first impression the recruiter will have of you—and you want to make sure that is a good impression.
Optimize your LinkedIn profile with our 31 Best LinkedIn Profile Tips for Job Seekers
4. Have a basic cover letter draft ready
Some companies ask for cover letters, others don't. To save time, always have a basic cover letter drafted and update it to match the jobs you're applying for. As with resumes, if you're applying for two (or more) different roles, consider having two cover letter versions ready to go. (Take a look at these four cover letter examples in case you need some help.)
5. Use search engines to find open jobs
Most, if not all, companies post open positions on search engine websites—which include traditional job listing platforms and LinkedIn. You can leverage this by searching for specific keywords related to the job you want and selecting companies to submit an application.
On The Muse, you can filter more than 10,000 open positions by experience level, job category, company industry, location, and benefits. Similarly, LinkedIn allows you to filter job openings by date, company, level of experience, and work system (remote or on-site).
When you find the ideal opportunity and decide to apply, two things can happen: 1) You'll be redirected to the company's website to fill out your application there. 2) You'll be able to fill up your application on that same page. On LinkedIn, for example, companies can opt for a simplified application, in which you upload your resume on LinkedIn, answer a couple of questions, and send it.
6. Create accounts on job listing websites
Speaking of job listing websites, creating an account for the ones most popular or commonly used by companies can significantly speed up your application process. Keep in mind that sooner or later you'll have to do it, so you might anticipate the task.
Usually, those websites have a profile page—similar to LinkedIn—that you have to fill up with the following information:
- Name
- Location
- Education
- Experience
- Certifications
- Skills
- Awards and recognitions
Some will allow you to register with LinkedIn and autofill the information, which facilitates the process. (Remember to check if the data exportation was successful and every box is filled correctly). However, others don't have this option and you’ll have to do it manually. To avoid spelling and grammar mistakes or missing information, consider taking a day when you have free time to focus instead of rushing to finish your registration.
7. Use the career section of companies sites
Company websites are also places to find and apply for jobs online. If there is any specific company that you'd really like to work for, check their website and search for a “Careers” page. If you find one, it's likely that you have two options: 1) Submitting your resume to their tablet database or 2) Apply for a specific job if there are any openings.
In both cases, you'll either have to fill up your work history, education, and personal information manually or use the autofill through LinkedIn or your resume file. Keep in mind that every company site is different, so these options may not always be available in all the sites you visit.
In case you have to manually add your information, a trick that can speed up the process is copying and pasting from your resume. Just remember to make the necessary changes and adapt to each specific job position.
8. Be prepared to do employment tests
Online applications in job listing sites often come with employment tests, also known as talent assessment tests, that you have to complete as part of your candidacy. Not doing the tests, when they're mandatory, will automatically disqualify you.
Usually, these tests assess your personality and skills. Some will also evaluate emotional intelligence, cognition, and work style—it really depends on your industry, field, and role. Needless to say, scoring high on employment tests is crucial to be considered by the hiring manager—so you want to take them seriously and complete them calmly.
Although this seems a daunting task to do, there's a plus side: some companies use the same or similar tests, which allows you to repurpose one that's already saved on the platform or know exactly what kind of answers you'll have to respond.
9. Have an application email script drafted
Some companies, especially small ones, don't have built-in software to handle online job applications and would rather have candidates send their resumes via email. For this reason, consider having an email script drafted to send along with your resume and cover letter, if requested.
Your message should be professional, and straight to the point. A brief salutation, a sentence expressing your interest in the role, one to two sentences about your resume (and cover letter), a closing sentence, and your signature is enough. For instance, you could say something along the lines of:
Dear [Name],
My name is [Your Name] and I'm excited to apply for the Software Developer position listed on LinkedIn.
As requested, I've attached my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if I can provide any extra information.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
name@email.com
555 123 4567
linkedin.com/in/name
10. Track your applications and follow up
While it’s not mandatory, ideally you should track and follow up with your applications. Generally, one to two weeks is considered a reasonable time to reach out to check the status of your application.
Keeping track of your applications also prevents you from applying for the same company multiple times (don’t even bother—it won't get you the job) and also helps you remember which job a recruiter is referring to when they reach out to you. (Here's how to follow up on a job application.)
Your tracking system can be as simple as a notebook with detailed notes, or as formatted as a spreadsheet tracking the job opportunity, hiring manager’s contact info, dates you sent the resume and followed up, and any response you’ve received so far.
Extra advice on online applications
Applying for a job online is as formal as handing your resume in person. Thus, you should take every detail of this process seriously, including the following:
- Email address: Use a professional email address, both to register on job listing sites and to send emails to recruiters. Avoid playful or overly informal usernames and opt for a version with your name and last name.
- Resume file format: Generally, it's best to submit your resume as .doc or .docx, however, some employers may ask for a PDF file. You can have both versions saved, for convenience, or convert the file format when necessary.
- Your resume file name: Always save your resume file with your name and last name. For instance, annajonesresume.doc. This makes it easier to locate, both for you and the hiring manager. Avoid generic names such as “resume” or random numbers.
- Follow the employer's directions: If the job posting requires specific information or documents (for instance, a portfolio or a cover letter), give what is requested. If they don't, then don't. Following the recruiter's instructions is crucial to successfully applying for jobs online—everything they want from you is going to be written in the posting.
Bottom line
Online job applications can be confusing at first, but they tend to be simpler than most people expect. You need a tailored and ATS-friendly resume, a cover letter draft in case the employer asks for one, and a dose of patience to fill up your personal information, education, and work history on job listing sites.
Paying close attention to the job description is crucial to know exactly what the employer is looking for and what steps should be taken to successfully submit your application. If you feel like you need extra help, even after reading our tips, consider working with a career coach.