Job application advice : Online applications

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1. What do employers want…
2. Your application
3. Online applications
4. Example questions
5. Personal statements
6. Speculative applicatio…
7. Analysing job adverts
8. Common mistakes
9. Power words

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Most large graduate recruiters now take applications online. They use sophisticated systems which enable you to build your education/employment profile and answer specific questions. You may also be able to upload other documents such as a CV and a covering letter.

Access

When you first register your application on an organisation’s website you will usually be given a password which will enable you to save your work when you need a break. If you have a few applications on the go, make sure you have some way of remembering all your passwords.

Modern online applications can usually be amended as many times as you want before the closing date and printed off, but this is not always the case. Follow these tips:

• familiarise yourself with the particular application system before you start;
• regularly copy your answers into your normal word processor to save them in case the system crashes;
• avoid filling in the form at the last minute because the organisation’s server could be overloaded and you may miss the deadline.

Style

Just like all applications, your answers should be formal and targeted at the skills required. The online system will probably restrict you to a particular text format (e.g. font size and style), be aware of this when you draft your answer.

Accuracy

Online applications are often less carefully completed than old-fashioned forms - do not fall into this trap.

• Make sure your word-processor’s spell-check is set to assess English as it is written in the UK (not the USA).
• Check your spelling using the spell-check.
• Personally check your spelling and grammar.
• Make sure you have comprehensively answered every part of every question.
• Check you have stuck within the stated word (or character) limit. Many forms will force you to do this, but not all. 
• Get someone else to check your answers, preferably a careers adviser.

Personality profiling

Some application forms include multiple-choice questions about your likes, strengths and preferences. These can be used to identify whether your preferred style of working fits with the culture of the organisation and the skills they require. Be as honest as possible - some questions might be repeated to ensure your answers are consistent and some may test whether you are trying to make a favorable impression.

Select Simulator  is an online resource designed to help students and graduates with online applications.