Online applications
Applications are often sent by email to employers and may contain a cover letter, a resumé, and a selection criteria document, or be structured as a formal online application form. Attaching the various documents in PDF format or Microsoft Word rather than copying text into the body of an email tends to appear more professional when corresponding electronically. There may be a delay in submitting if site traffic is busy, so don’t leave it until the last day to prepare and send your application. Employers do not look favourably on those who rush their responses or get applications in late.
If you are filling out an application form online, there may or may not be an option to save what you have entered, so make sure that you have allowed enough time to complete (be prepared – they can take quite some time to answer). Given that computer systems are prone to crash and online forms do not usually have a spell check function, it may be advisable to compose your responses in Word format. In this way, you can save reliably as you go, check your spelling and grammar and then copy and paste into the online form when you are ready.
Computerised keyword recognition systems are often used to screen applications submitted online. It is therefore important to use similar language and terms to those used by the employer in their promotional material and job descriptions, so that a match between your application and employer requirements will be established.
This is certainly the case amongst recruitment agencies that will search websites such as seek.com.au for candidates matching their clients’ requirements, or search their own database of candidate resumés which have been submitted for specific jobs advertised.
While technology enables you to circulate your application details broadly to employers, to agencies or through internet job search sites (where you can request email alerts for particular job categories, or allow your details to be accessed by potential employers), always keep a record of who you have sent an application to and where your details are posted. This will assist you when you need to update your details, or remove them once you have found work.
Be careful to ensure that organisations you entrust your details to are bona fide and that issues of privacy are respected. It is your responsibility to keep track of who has access to your details and to update your employment status and authorisation accordingly.
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