Remember When You Fill Out a Job Application Online

Technology has touched every aspect of our lives, and HR is not an exception. Even though HR might be called People Management and has compulsory human element to it, technology still plays a big part in it. Most good organizations announce the job openings on their website and collects attracts hundreds of interested candidates without spending on advertising. Apart from companies, there are myriads of job portals where you can fill out job applications online.

One thing to understand while filling out such an application is that hundreds of candidates like you fill out the same forms. And that usually a computer program filters through these forms because it is humanly impossible for an executive to read hundreds of applications and select some. Now the human resource function might have placed our fate in the hands of a computer, but there is a way out.

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Just like any other machine, computers were made by man, and hence there are always some limitations which can be used. This recruitment software runs on the logic of keyword search. What that means essentially is that keywords (which are qualifications, skills and competencies) are fed into the program. Once you fill out the application, the software compares your information with the keywords and determines a match. The more keywords your application includes, the higher score you get and higher the chances of getting selected to the next level.

This logic can be used to our advantage. Do not attach a standard CV format with each online application. Take some time to customize it for each opening that you are interested in. In general, the job description provided by the company or job portal is a great starting point. Sit down with the JD and use your experience in the field to determine which of the requirements can't be compromised on. For e.g. for a senior sales profile negotiation skills and presentation skills are non-negotiable.

Make sure you include those competencies and qualifications in your CV.

Another thing to remember is that the selection software recognizes different forms of a word. So negotiation skills can be written as negotiator, negotiations, negotiated etc. Even though you write your CV to get selected in the first round, write it as if you would naturally for a human reader. It should not look botched up with hundreds of keywords especially written for a machine. After all, once you clear this round, an HR executive will sit down to read your CV. You do not want to spoil your chances at this stage.

Remember When You Fill Out a Job Application Online

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