Morris County Library > Reference > E-resumes
About online job applications
- There is no "standard" online job application.
Forms, options, and instructions vary with job database and company. The three most popular options are HR database, e-mail attachment, & copy & paste. - READ the instructions!
Will the application let you save if you can't finish? Are there required fields? How do they want numbers to be expressed? (5/04, 5/2004, May 2004?) - Whenever possible, avoid the middleman.
Apply directly to the company rather than through job posting/resume databases. - Whenever possible, avoid applying via the Internet.
Retro? Absolutely. Most companies offer several options. "Back in the day" applying online made you special. Not anymore. Best case scenario? Someone in the company hands the hiring manager your resume. Or...you just show up, resume in hand. Neatly handwritten envelopes get the most attention.
FAQs
- Why do they ask for my Social Security Number?
This has become a "standard" required field in many online applications. In some cases, you cannot continue the application process unless you supply this information. You have the option of inputting 000-00-0001. BEWARE OF IDENTITY THEFT. Make sure the site is secure/encrypted (https; padlock icon). - Why are they asking for my race and gender?
The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires this data. Responses are voluntary. - How much personal information should I release?
You must supply contact information. Name, cell, e-mail recommended. - What should I put for salary requirements?
Nothing, if possible. Salary negotiation happens at the end of the interview process. If this is a required field, it is being used to screen out applicants. Price yourself wisely. Salary surveys are online. - Why is the company asking me to take an online test along with the application?
Some companies request/require applicants to take online tests. These are usually standard assessment tools to determine management potential, basic math/language skills, or personality. They use these to screen applicants, generally for entry-level jobs. - Do I have to write a cover letter if I'm sending my resume via e-mail?
Absolutely! Your subject lines should clearly reflect the job you are applying for [Re: Food chemist position]. Cover letter should clearly state why you're the best candidate for the job.
CONSUMER BEWARE: Is this a "legitimate company/job application?
- Companies offering jobs on Monster (CareerBuilder, etc.) are required to supply their Employer Identification Number (EIN). This cuts down on fraud.
- Carefully check all unsolicited job offers. See if the company is listed in Reference USA, state corporations databases, etc.). If this in an "executive search firm," is listed in Kennedy's Directory of Executive Recruiters?
- Do not rely on company web sites which may be "fronts."
- "Employment opportunities" asking you to accept money/transfer funds, reveal bank accounts/financial information, provide past addresses, and personal data (names of family members, maiden name, etc.). If it looks like a credit card application, it's probably bogus. Many of these solicitations are written with bad spelling and awkward grammar. Best way to identify a scam: Google the company name with the words: scam fraud (ex: "Acme Schmackme" scam fraud) Better Business Bureau reports are online.
Four ways to apply online
- Enter your information in a job database
Many companies require you to enter your information in their HR database. Job webs (Monster, CareerBuilder, etc.) also use this option for storing & distributing resumes. Registration is required and password-protected. This means your resume cannot be "Googled" or changed by someone else. Resume databases are relatively easy to use. Most job sites give you several options: upload your resume, create a profile, or enter details on a pre-formatted questionnaire. - Copy and paste your resume to the employer's web site
Some employers/job sites offer the option to upload your resume (Word) or "copy and paste" in plain text/ASCII format to their online job application. Plain text/ASCII (files that end in .txt) is standard protocol for Web document transmission. Rich Text Format (.rtf) retains your formatting and are sometimes accepted by copy and paste employment applications. NOTE: every application is different, including the size of the box provided for copy and paste. If your resume looks messy, take the time to make it readable. That's one of the reasons many job seekers create a separate plain-text resume...it saves time! - E-mail attachment
The advantage of the e-mail attachment is that it retains your resume's original format. NOTE: Some employers may not accept e-mail attachments (fear of virus transmission). It is best to find out before you send the resume. - Social networking: LinkedIn, FaceBook, blogs, personal web pages
LinkedIn is fast becoming "the" place to upload professional profiles. Recruiters are searching this space look for/screen out potential candidates. You can upload resume or create basic profile. Uploading your resume to the Web ("googleable")works best for consultants and freelancers looking for business. It is a convenient way for potential clients to review your credentials. NOTE: you can be Googled. Be careful what you share. Case in point: Michael Anderson
Plain text eliminates ALL formatting (bold/italics/underlines, fonts/font size, creative margins). This makes it readable to the resume databases.
You have two options for creating a plain-text resume: General guidelines for plain-text readability:
JOB OBJECTIVE: DISTRICT SALES MANAGER
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
EDUCATION AND AWARDS
...Excellent opportunity to skinny down your resume and emphasize your skills with keywords. Online resumes are typically shorter, punchier versions of their print counterparts.
...Plain text is a standard "save as" feature on word processing software.
Sample plain-text resume
John M. Rice
[NOTE: we are not suggesting you skinny down your resume to the bare bone! This sample illustrates format only.]
johnrice@hotmail.com
Increased sales by 50 percent in three years
Expanded sales territory from 10 to 28 states
Managed sales force of 100 agents
Created sales associate training program
Responsible for 10 million dollar budget
Sales management, inventory control, Powerpoint, Excel
Mega Sales Company, 1995-present
America's Best Widgets, 1991-1995
Joe's Super Food Products, 1989-1991
Gold Sales Award, Mega Sales Company, 2002
American Management Association, Sales Leader Certificate, 1995
University of Pennsylvania, BS Business Administration, 1989
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31 January 2013