Some tips you should remember when submitting an online job application

Sep 15, 2019

Most tech-savvy companies these days require jobseekers to fill an online application as one of the first steps in the recruitment process.

As a jobseeker you may often feel overwhelmed with the entire process of submitting an online application. It can be a tedious task, but with a little extra work, you can increase your chances of landing that coveted job.

It is important to know some tricks of the trade to make yourself noticed among the scores of applicants.

Here are some tips that you should remember each time you fill in an online job application:

1. Carefully read job descriptions

Most of us are aware of the frustration that results from not having heard back by potential employers. Majority of the time the issue is when you have applied for too many jobs that do not match your profile. It is, therefore, very important to read the job descriptions of the positions that you apply to.

Take the time to understand exactly what the company expects from applicants for jobs that interest you. Always make sure you have thoroughly reviewed the detailed description of what the job entails.

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2. Create an original cover letter

Several jobseekers create a generic, run-of-the-mill cover letter and use it across all of their online job applications. The problem with this approach is that recruiters are easily able to assess you haven't gone the extra mile, which is expected of strong candidates.

Make sure to write one specific to your accomplishments and skills and one that is in line with the job description for the position you are applying to.

Remember this is often the first thing recruiters read when viewing a jobseeker's profile, even before the CV.

3. Make sure your responses are error-free

When you fill in an online job application, remember there is a possibility of typos or errors in the content.

Make it a rule to always double-check your content for spelling and grammar.

Ensure that all of your information is completely spelled out - in other words, avoid abbreviations. In many cases, abbreviations that may be understood readily by the hiring managers are not familiar to the first-line recruiters.

A good way to make sure you review the content before you submit is to apply well in advance of the deadline. This way you have time on your hands to actually check content properly without having to rush.

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4. Ensure you only have one applicant profile per company

To skim through and sort out the tons of applications, most companies now use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). If you are applying to one of these companies, the organization will save your personal information.

While you should tailor your resume and/or cover letter for each job submission, maintain one master profile for all of your applications for that company. This is because multiple profiles in one company's system can lead to confusion.

By only submitting one profile per company, you can eliminate the odds of the wrong profile being disqualified by a first-line recruiter.

5. Fill out all fields within the application process

Make sure you fill all fields of the application process by plugging in the required information. If the application has a list of questions, take the time to answer each as best as possible indicating your interest and desire in the job. Avoid lifting chunks of information from your CV and pasting them within these sections. This shows a lack of interest and you definitely don't need to create that impression.

Many recruiters just skip over candidates who don't complete their applications. Additionally, with an ATS in place, many companies filter candidates by their responses to certain fields within the online application forms.

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6. Make sure your social media is updated

In today's digital age, it has become even more important for jobseekers to display an active online presence to employers.

Companies are now encouraging candidates to include professional information from their social profiles, typically LinkedIn, Google+, or Facebook, within their online application process.

Recruiters can view your dynamic social profiles and see your current work status to determine whether the timing is right to extend you an interview or even a job offer.

However, also remember to keep your social media pages free of any red flags. Make sure you don't have public images or content that would deter hiring managers from approaching you.

7. Review all the information once again before submitting

Once you have filled in all the information and completed all necessary steps, take a final glance at the content you have plugged into the application before hitting the 'submit' button.

Be sure all required attachments are in place and bear in mind that once you hit that button, your information is sent to the recruiter directly.

First impressions are important, so make the best one possible when you apply.

We hope this info has helped you. If you are currently looking for a job in Qatar, feel free to comment on the article or browse through www.qatarliving.com/jobs.

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