Many, many companies today have taken to accepting only on line job applications. It reduces paperwork, resume reading, and all the time it takes to decide whether or not you are qualified. It gives those wacky, overworked HR guys time to have a second cup of coffee, a quick smoke, follow-up on harassment complaints, reduce your benefits, and weed out lesser qualified candidates without ever having to read the application. I just love technology, don’t you?
The On Line Application
But there are some secret things you need to know about filling out an online app. The most important thing you need to know is to make sure you use important keywords in the application that are very particular to the position for which you are applying. You see, that great software not only creates a nice little online resume for you, but it looks for words in your application that it can match against a job description or position announcement in an effort to hook you up or kick you to the curb!! For example, if you want to work in a restaurant, make sure all the keywords pertaining to restaurant work are in the work history part of the application. Use words like cook, chef, food poisoning, to let the computer know that you know food preparation. The same goes for any position from sales to CEO. (side note: If you are a CEO using an online app, the company has no openings).
What are keywords?
The software that is used in accepting on line applications does not actually read your resume for content like a human would. It simply looks for words that it then picks out and stores, sometimes called indexing. Then, the indexed list is stored in the HR database. When someone in HR needs to find a candidate for position, the HR person goes into the software and does a search of the candidate database. They most likely have an idea of some of the key requirements of the position, and enters those words in the search box. If your app had those keywords in it, your application will pop up. That is when your resume will actually be read by a human.
Also, make sure the application is as complete as possible. Omissions are gaps that the scanning software will determine as your not having the necessary requirements. You need to answer every question in as much detail as possible, but remember, use keywords that are very specific to the job!!!
And the same advice goes for software that scans your resume and turns it into an online resume. It too is looking for those all important keywords, so make sure they are in there as well!! No human is going to read your resume if the computer says no.
Well that is it for today. Hope this helps!!! If you have any questions you can call:
1-800-INEEDSOMEADVICEONFILLINGOUTANONLINEJOBAPP or email me at:mike@directyourcareer.com
Make it a great day!