Thursday, April 14, 2005

Online application forms

 

Online application forms

Many employers now have their applications forms on their web sites and require you to complete them online....

 

Tips and hints for completing online application forms

Most of the advice for paper applications applies equally to online applications. However, there are one or two additional tips we would like to give you now:

Preparation:

  • Online job applications can be deceptive - because you fill in boxes, click to send them and they arrive instantaneously, it may be tempting to treat them like ordering books or tickets over the Internet. But beware, they need the same amount of thought and preparation as a paper application.
  • Approach the application in the same way as a paper one - find out about the job and employer and match your skills and experience to their requirements.
  • Write a draft copy in Word first, rather than directly on-line, so that you can copy and paste in your information (this is not always possible with some forms).
  • Don't be tempted to apply for lots of jobs online because it is easier - only apply for jobs in which you are genuinely interested and for which you have the qualifications and experience. You will then come across as a more credible candidate.

On the form itself:

  • If you are cutting and pasting answers into applications forms from Word, make sure you have read through what you have written and adapt it to the form you are currently filling in. The last thing you want to do is to paste one employer's name into an application to another employer!
  • Make sure you answer all the questions and fill in all the appropriate sections - if you have left a section blank, don't forget to go back to it later. It is too late once you have pressed the send button!
  • When you do write directly on-line, guard against the use of sloppy or casual styles of language that you might use in email. Make sure you don't do this in a job application. Also don't abbreviate words, and make sure you write in full sentences.
  • For the same reason it is vital to get someone to 'proofread' your efforts before you hit that send button! Print a copy, and show it to someone else to spot those small errors that can so easily be missed.
  • Some forms are hard or even impossible to print; copy and paste your application into a Word document for use in your interview preparation.
  • If you move in and out of an on-line form, remember to save your work every few minutes to avoid losing two hours of hard work!
Remember: The secret of effective online applications isn't the online part. What is important is the preparation and thought you put in before you get on the computer.

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Select simulator - practise filling in an online application form

The select simulator website provides you with information on how online applications work and allows you to fill in your own form and save it for future use. The online application form has the following sections:

Personal detailsPersonal achievements
School educationReferees
Higher educationMembership details
SkillsEqual opportunities
Employment history 

and there is advice on helping you fill in each section.

Once you have filled in all the sections you can save it as a Word document and can then:

  • print it off and discuss it with a careers adviser.
  • use it as a form of electronic CV;
  • use it as a basis for future applications.

Even if you don't want to fill in the form you can get a good idea of how online applications work by looking through the form and reading the accompanying advice.

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