Below is an insert from an article titled "How to Apply Online and Get an Employers Attention".

Source: www.JobWeb.com.

A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (JobWeb's/Job Choices' publisher) asked employers for their advice on how to make an electronic application outstanding. Here's what they recommend:

• Follow directions. Be careful to enter the correct data in the correct field.
• Ask for advice on completing the application from a company recruiter or an alumnus who may work at the company.
• Tailor your application information to the position. Don't copy and paste text from your generic resume.
• Use key words, buzz words, and industry verbiage. Use the verbiage in the job ad as your model. Employers search on key words when they're looking for people to fill specific positions.
• Create a skills-inventory section even if the application doesn't require it. You might put this in a comments section.
• Include numbers and statistics if they are available. (Example: Counted five cash drawers daily; responsible for more than $10,000 per 8-hour shift.)
• Complete all fields—even those that aren't required.
• If the company offers an optional assessment test online, take it. (One employer recently admitted that students who don't take the optional assessment test are automatically screened out.)
• Make sure your resume can hold its own in a very simple format. Fancy bullets, text, italics, and bold do not convert well in an electronic application.
• If possible, spell check and grammar check your application before submitting it. Have an error-free application because this application serves as the employer's first impression of you.
• Include a strong objective. Ask a career counselor to help you word your objective.
• Another use for the comment section: use it to demonstrate that you've done research on the company and the industry.
• Use quotes from letters of recommendation in your resume or cover letter.
• Followup your electronic application with a personal e-mail to the recruiter. A follow-up phone call is acceptable if the ad does not say, "No phone calls."

As more and more companies tap technology to find new employees quickly and efficiently, you'll need to find new methods to draw attention to your application.

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