5 Tips For Applying Online
When I asked my readers; what do YOU think is the hardest part about job searching, I received quite a few responses. The main one (and I am not at all surprised) was; how to elicit a response to online job applications. Trust me, I understand the frustration that comes from constantly applying online and receiving ZERO responses. So here are some tips on how to ease some frustration and start getting the response you want when applying online!
1. Understand how Applicant-Tracking Systems (ATS) work, and what happens after you email/post your resume. An ATS allows companies to filter through hundreds and thousands of applicants using a fraction of the time a manual system would.
There are positives to an ATS, you could find yourself eligible for a position you did not even apply to or would have not considered at first. Some software has an auto-match function, which allows you to be considered for any open position you are minimally qualified for. Another positive note is that once you have applied to a company using an ATS you will stay in there system for 6 months to several years which could allow you to be called upon at any time for your dream job within those periods. This also means, there is no need to apply to multiple postings within one company with an ATS.
The other benefit of an ATS is that your resume is not selected for how aesthetically appealing it is; instead, it's selection is based solely on the value of its content.
One of the biggest negatives of an ATS is that your competition grows exceptionally with thousands of applicants during peak recruiting periods. As far as HR is concerned, once your resume has been received it is in the system, which makes it tough to have any human contact about the position.
So how do you beat the Applicant-Tracking Systems?
2. Network and Market Yourself - By the time you have seen an online job posting, so have thousands of other people. Not what you wanted to hear right? It's true. So how can you network and market yourself to find employment openings prior to them being posted online? Volunteer. By volunteering you attract conversations with people you do not know. All that unwanted small talk about; where are you from, what do you do... learn to love it! It is a huge part in networking and getting your name out there. These conversations plant a seed in another persons brain and even if they do not know of an opening at that exact moment, knowing what you do for work will trigger your name to come up when a job opening does come along.
Find someone you know in the same field as you or working for the company you want to work for and Connect with them. It's not always about what you know, it's also about WHO you know. Search your virtual and face-to-face networks (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) for a connection to the job that you want.
3. Tailor your resume to the listing; make sure it includes key words. Most people try to apply online as quickly as possible to be the "first one" to apply. Wrong. Why? Well besides the fact you will likely never be first, the Applicant-Tracking System's. The ATS looks and sorts by topics and keywords, like education or skills in time management & prioritization of work. So if your resume is not tailored to the posting it will not be considered by the ATS.
If you have hired a professional to create a resume for you, GREAT! They have outlined and created a polished product. This does not mean that you do not need to use key words and phrases. You should still have the ability to make changes to your resume. Familiarize yourself with your resume. It represents you and the qualities you bring to a company. Learn where you can change little details to add the keywords in the job posting. If you need help identifying these words and how/where to place them, go back to the person who created your resume with the specific job posting and ask them to guide you through that process. By asking them to guide you through the process rather than asking them to do it completely you may save yourself some money and you will learn how to do it on your own for the next time.
4. Check out the company's website before you apply. Employers and recruiters want to know you have an interest in their company. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the company mission and vision statements and core values. Use phrases and key words from there to also use in your job history and cover letter. This will help you stand out from other applicants and the ones rushing through the online application process by just uploading one resume to a site like Indeed and hitting submit on something they feel they are qualified for.
Doing your research prior to applying will also help you decide if this is truly a company you want to work for. Your time is valuable, so don't waste it by applying and going through the interview process only to discover this is not the company for you.
5. Clean up and update all social media accounts. This includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and whatever else you are committed to daily. Employers DO look at these things. People do not just tell you this as a scare tactic to keep unappealing photos off the web. Don't be constantly negative in your posts and comments. And for the love of everything holy, take down the pictures of you doing a keg stand from 5 years ago. This means going back more than two weeks into your social media accounts. Whatever year you got that account, that is your starting point.
If you do not have a LinkedIn account, make one! This is a great networking area and a great way for employers to notice you as well. LinkedIn also has the option to send you job postings in the field you are looking for.
Use social media to your advantage. Connect, network and market yourself.