Gaining the edge when job applications are only accepted online ?

[MAJOR METAL]

As many know, the job market has turned into one that begins with online applications most of the time. What advice would you offer in trying to get an edge while having to make the initial sale of yourself through an online application ? Outside of political appointments, the US Government has totally moved to this format of applying for positions.

[BurningSkies]

Originally Posted by MAJOR METAL

As many know, the job market has turned into one that begins with online applications most of the time. What advice would you offer in trying to get an edge while having to make the initial sale of yourself through an online application ? Outside of political appointments, the US Government has totally moved to this format of applying for positions.

I function as 'search chair' for our department when we're looking for staff, and I'll tell you a few things:

-Don't use a stupid email address. Yup, we do look at those and I don't hire MizzHot08@hotmail.com or tony@satansplayground.com. I actually had a resume come in with a agentsofsatan.com address, which made it easy to do some research...the site is now gone.

-When you attach your cover letter, make sure it's the right one. Double check it please. I get them for other jobs, other employers, etc. You go in the reject pile.

-When you attach your resume, I want a real resume. Don't just list a link to a resume site, or your own page.

-Make sure you fill out the online webform with the same care as you would an application or resume. Spelling, punctuation and the rest do count.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Just agreeing with Burning Skies points here.

-Spelling and grammar matter.

-Make sure your covering letter and CV/Resume are right (in that they are as you would submit them if they were in paper form).

-Submit the right document type.

-Try to keep a professional email (owning your own wed address isn't expensive, it could also be used to keep a more expanded version of your CV/Resume and you are basically leaving a bread trail right there if you list your email address as being from there).

-Make sure to check your references are ok with you using them as references.

-Depending on the job type, keywords are often helpful (some employers have keyword scanners to filter out some of the applications)

[Phalex]

Attaching hi-res photos of your junk is usually frowned upon...... Usually.

[fdeck]

Network, if possible.

[fourstringdrums]

It goes without saying, but check your resume for accuracy. My sister made the mistake of having a teacher friend of hers help her with her resume, and the teacher made some bad mistakes. She put her graduation date as being 2 years before my sister was even born. She also put a work honor that she received recently as being something that she didn't achieve until next year.

[BurningSkies]

Originally Posted by fdeck

Network, if possible.

Very true. I work in academia. Even though many many jobs are posted for applicants, but in my experience a very small number of those are really up for grabs. Many positions already have 'prospects' in place when they post, based upon people you know in your field of study or within the institution. Even if a job IS open for applicants, having someone on the 'inside' for strong recommendations makes a huge difference. Its how I got my foot in the door (recommended by the person who left the job), and I've heard for years from various folks, "I've tried so many times to get a job there...I can't figure out how to even get an interview".