Avoid 3 Traps of the On-line Job Application

Avoid 3 Traps of the On-line Job Application You will be asked to complete an on-line job application as part of the hiring process. Why, because it makes life easier for recruiters. And because they wont need to pay someone to do data entry, youve done it for them. The application is a weeding out tool.   Perhaps employers wont admit it, but, they are looking for certain things that would result in your elimination from the pack. Before I list those three traps, remember that the application must contain the right buzz words or keywords.  There is no dictionary or thesaurus for these words.   The words the employer searches for are generally the words used in the job posting.   Simple.   Just as you are entering in keywords or job titles into www.indeed.com, so are recruiters entering in keywords to find the best applicants. This is what you need to know about applicant tracking systems.   This also means you will want to type in as much quality stuff as possible.   Dont take short cuts. OK, so you are entering the easy stuff:   name, address, telephone, email address and then you come to: ONE:   What are your salary requirements? You try in vain to skip to the next question, but it wont let you. Darn, youll have to put a number in.  Shoot, what number do you put?   What you really want, how much you were paid in you last job, a low-ball number?   Maybe.   There isnt an easy answer for this.   The answer depends on many things.   Industry, occupation, competition in both, company and the alignment of the moon and stars. The answer will require that you step back and do some research.   Talk to people in your occupation, ideally in that company, use salary calculators and talk to recruiters in that field.   Ask for advice from people. With this information in hand, pick a mid-point.   The mid point would be a salary you would accept for this job plus some.   Sure, nice and easy.   It isnt.   The idea is to put a number in there that you would be ok with and that the employer finds within their range. All this is predicated on the skills and requirements of the job.   It isnt about you.   How many years of experience is the job posting requiring?   Thats the biggest clue as to the level of salary the employer expects to pay. With this question answered, you move onto the Work History section. Read the instructions carefully.   Employers and jobs are not the same.   If the instructions state: List Employers   that is what you need to do.   So list the employers you have had within the last 10-15 years.   Remember, the instructions didnt specify how far back to go. This is your choice.   If the instructions state:   List every position, then list each job you had with each employer.  Be sure to break down employment by different jobs  within a large company to show adaptability and ability to change. But then the application asks for TWO:  Salary information for previous jobs Why, because they can.   Truly, it is none of their business how much you were paid before.    That is between you and the IRS.   But being a good instruction follower youll provide a number for them if it doesnt hurt your chances.   If the number is too high, you could be out.   How can you downplay this number?   You could put your starting salary in that position/job assuming that you received raises and made more at the end.   Whatever you do, do NOT lie.   That will not work. Phew, now it is on to the question THREE: Reason for leaving Sometimes youll have pull down options.   Sometimes youll type it in.   Keep it positive and short.   Always  use the most positive response, not the absolute truth.   If you were fired, but it was due to a  difference of  opinion when new management took over,  would you choose: a) Fired b) Personal c) Position eliminated d) Change in management The answer could be c) Position eliminated or d) Change in management. Applications will ask if you know someone in the company.   Make sure this person knows you are applying before you include their name.   Also make sure they are in good standing with the company.   Name dropping can be a real plus. As always, if you can find someone inside the company to send your resume to or who is willing to be a champion for you, use them too!   Filling out application after application will tend to result in a lack-luster response.   Take the extra step and get the resume to the right person. Better yet, you should have identified this employer as a target and been in contact BEFORE the job was posted.