Everyone keeps asking me to write tips on how to complete online applications — yuk! I tried a while back and ended up giving tips about how job seekers can avoid them until they have presented themselves as “people that add value. ” However, because they seem an enduring reality, I’ll bite the bullet and share my best tips for successfully completing them.
Cheat. Get the Questions Ahead of Time. Each online application is at least a little unique. Before you complete one, learn the questions asked and how many words you get to use in answering each. There are several ways to do this: 1) Ask someone who has already completed it, 2) Have someone who plans to complete it take notes for you, or let you observe and take notes, 3) Have a friend or family member who is more interested in helping you than getting the job complete the application while you take notes, or, 4) Complete it as a fictitious person, so you can make mistakes and do your research as someone else. You don’t have to do this for every application, which is good because they take so long, but do it for 1 or 2 to get the hang of it.
Pre-pare. Create Your Responses Ahead of Time. During or after your research, create a Word document with the common questions, word counts, and your answers. Then you can take time and strategically incorporate all the relevant selling points that will get you hired, and cultivate a key message that is memorable, but not redundant. You can also spell check, do a word or character count if the site limits you (Drop each answer into a separate document in Microsoft Word. Open the document, and click on , , then .). Have someone review your answers for mistakes and impact, then edit as needed. Now, you can cut and paste your great answers into the electronic form, which will save you time and help you avoid the frustration of having to start over from scratch because you lost your internet connection or the website ‘timed-out’ before you submitted the data. Even if the site won’t let you cut and paste, you are ready to re-enter impressive information quicker. If you have to re-type them, reread each answer for typos. Again, you don’t have to prepare unique answers for every application, but create answers for a few applications then adapt them for others. The Word document you create is also helpful in preparing for interviews.
Watch Your Presentation. Look for details that could distract employers from your qualifications for the job. If necessary, create an email account for your job search using a free site. Use your name or a professional indicator, i.e., markgoodman@gmail, megancopyeditor@yahoo. If your physical address could cause concerns about distance/reliability or your community/network, use the more helpful address of a friend, PO Box, or job search program (with their permission), or simply give city and state, if the site allows.
Be A Person. Online applications are very far removed from decision makers who can hire you, so do what you can to be a person. If you use an on-site kiosk, dress for success, prepare a strong resume, and start by asking to speak to a manager. Introduce yourself, and share your respect for the company, a selling point or two, and your desire to join the team. They’ll likely direct you to the kiosk. Gladly go, and complete the application. When you’re done, find the manager again, thank them for their time, let them know you submitted the app, and that you look forward to hearing back soon. Return as a customer within 10 days, connect with the manager and inquire about discussing how you can benefit the company. Continue to follow-up as appropriate. If you complete the application from a remote location, call first and introduce yourself to a relevant decision maker — department head, team leader. Again, once you’ve completed the app, call back to thank them, let them know you are truly interested, and continue to follow-up.
One good aspect of many online applications is that they focus on assessing the skills and knowledge needed for the job, rather than just your past work history and formal education/training. This means if you have strong transferable skills, even if they were gained from unpaid or non-traditional experience, it should come through in your answers. You often have a chance to take a test and prove you’ve got what they are looking for. And, yes, I recommend that you cheat and pre-pare for the test using the tips above too.
Online applications are a long-shot, but these tips will increase the likelihood that your clients will make a connection, get some positive attention, and be given a chance to prove their value for the job. Good luck!