Successfully Completing Online Job Applications
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The job application you once filled out with pen or pencil is becoming obsolete. Completing online job applications can be daunting. Here are the most effective tips and suggestions for improving your chances of landing an interview with your online application.

Today, nearly all mid-to large employers require that applicants complete an online application. For many, online applications are difficult. The following are tips to improve your chances for success:
  • Carefully read the application instructions
  • Perform a practice online application. Locate a position and company that you are not keen on and complete a “pretend practice” application.
  • Acquire the application of company offering a job in which you are interested and complete a “practice drill.”
    • Request a friend or family member open the application with an alternative computer.
    • Write notes or complete it with a fictitious name.
    • Create an email account for your job search using a free site. This method allows you to remain anonymous and safely make mistakes.
    • Practice with a sample application until you feel competent.
  • Don’t complete the entire application in one sitting, if possible, but instead begin keying-in fields, then, save it (save, save, save). Take your time and return when rested to continue. This strategy helps avoid mistakes due to fatigue or frustration when answering questions.
  • Take screenshots of your application along the way and again just before you finally submit it. A saved copy may also be used later to increase your ease with additional online applications
  • Many sites record the amount of time an applicant takes to complete an online application, including an invisible “timer.” Taking “too long” may risk elimination or you may automatically be logged out or timed-out before completion, particularly on federal websites. You’ll be left staring at a blank screen and having to start all over again. A timing score is added to the overall score accorded the application when screened with applicant tracking systems that are often used nowadays. The quicker you can complete the application, the better your score. The reasoning is that the faster you are, the better you are with computers. Some programs may or may not allow you to cut and paste, which can be a real time-saver.
  • Create a master Word document with answers to the frequently asked application questions, your responses, and word count. Strategically incorporate all the key words and key phrases found in the job description and post them in the appropriate fields. HR pre-screening software searches for “liked-minded” buzz words. The applicant who has the most similar word-match as determined by the software has a competitive advantage for landing an interview.
  • Set up and save your resume in multiple formats: ”formal presentation resume,” “Word,” “PDF,” “docx,” and “txt” only copy. Txt strips formatting from a document. You can then use these formats as needed. The “txt” version has exactly the same wording content, but is saved as “plain text” for online applications that do not allow documents to be uploaded. You can manipulate bullet alignment in plain text formatted documents.
  • Avoid volunteering information that is not requested
  • Applications may require “essay” questions that appear unexpectedly. Taking time to compose answers first in word processing software with spell check and then reviewing your answer is best. Triple read to correct grammatical errors. Read responses backward. Ask a friend to double-check. If you are unable to save until the bottom of the page, find a placeholder for the text and then copy and paste.
  • Deliver your application in person, or if distance is an obstacle, mail hard copies of your job search documents (cover letter, resume, references list), including a copy of the online application. You never know if your online application made it through the company’s HR filters. Get your application materials to the decision-maker, that is to say, the person who will ultimately be your boss.
Compiled by Linda Rolie from contributors in Career Thought Leaders, Resume Writers and Outplacement professionals on LinkedIn.