Applying for jobs online can often feel like a daunting task, especially with the overwhelming number of job boards and platforms available. But don’t worry – you’re not alone in this! Whether you’re a first-time job seeker or a seasoned pro, knowing the right way to approach your online job applications can make all the difference.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the ultimate do’s and don’ts of applying for jobs online, offering tips and strategies to help you stand out, avoid common mistakes, and land that perfect job. Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• Optimize Your Online Presence: Ensure your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other online accounts align with your professional brand and the roles you’re targeting.
• Tailor Each Application: Customize your resume and cover letter to match the specific job and company, making sure your application stands out as a perfect fit.
• Follow Up, But Don’t Overdo It: Follow up after applying to show interest, but don’t bombard hiring managers with excessive communication.

Best Practices When Applying for a Job Online

When it comes to applying for jobs online, focusing on the right strategies can make all the difference. The following do’s are essential steps to help you stand out and increase your chances of success. By optimizing your online presence, tailoring your resume and cover letter for each specific job, and using the right keywords, you’ll ensure your application grabs the attention of hiring managers and makes it past automated systems.

These steps aren’t just about ticking boxes – they show you’re serious, proactive, and truly invested in each opportunity. Let’s explore these powerful do’s to help you maximize your chances of landing your next role!

✅ Do: Optimize Your Online Presence

Optimizing your online presence is one of the most powerful ways to boost your job search. Hiring managers often turn to platforms like LinkedIn, personal websites, or portfolios to learn more about potential candidates, so make sure your profiles are up-to-date, professional, and aligned with the roles you’re targeting.

A strong online presence not only helps you get noticed but also reinforces your qualifications and makes it easier for hiring managers to reach out to you directly.

It’s smart to be proactive about your online presence, especially when job hunting…

Here’s a 5-step plan to clean up your online presence and ensure you’re job search ready:

1. Google Yourself: Start by seeing what’s out there. Search your name in both regular and incognito mode (this gives you a less personalized view). Check the first few pages of results. Are there any red flags a potential employer might see?
2. Review Your Social Media: Go through your Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, etc. Look for anything that might be considered unprofessional:
   • Posts with offensive language or controversial opinions
   • Photos or videos showing excessive partying or illegal activities
   • Unflattering comments about previous employers or colleagues
3. Take Action:
   • Delete: Get rid of anything questionable. If it’s a photo you’re tagged in, untag yourself or ask the poster to remove it.
   • Make Private: Adjust your privacy settings so only friends or connections can see your posts.
   • Update: Ensure your profiles have a professional photo and accurate information. If you have old accounts you no longer use, deactivate them.
4. LinkedIn Polish:
   • Complete: Fill out all sections with relevant industry keywords.
   • Professional Photo: Use a headshot that looks like you’d dress for an interview.
   • Recommendations: Request recommendations from past colleagues or supervisors.
   • With over 400 million users on LinkedIn, standing out is key. Need a boost? ResumeSpice offers professional LinkedIn profile writing to help you get noticed.
5. Build a Positive Presence:
   • Share Industry Articles: Show you’re engaged in your field.
   • Connect with Professionals: Network with people in your industry.
   • Create Content: If you have the time/skills, consider starting a blog or portfolio site to showcase your work.

🔹Note: Even if you clean up your public profiles, be aware that employers may still be able to find deleted content through internet archives or cached pages. It’s best practice to avoid posting anything online that you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see.

✅ Do: Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter to Each Job Listing

Tailoring your resume and cover letter to each specific job listing is helpful to making a lasting impression on hiring managers. Generic applications can often get overlooked, but customizing your documents to match the requirements of the job shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and the company. Here’s how you can effectively tailor your application:

• Review the job description: Carefully read the job posting to identify the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned. Highlight the most important competencies required for the role, so you can focus on showcasing those in your resume.
• Research the company: Visit the company’s website, explore their social media, and check out any recent news or articles about them. Understanding the company’s mission, values, and culture allows you to align your application with their goals and show that you’re genuinely interested in working there.
• Highlight relevant experience: Focus on your most relevant skills and accomplishments that align with the job requirements. Quantify your achievements to demonstrate the impact you’ve had in previous roles.
• Match keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description to improve your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and getting noticed by hiring managers.
• Craft a personalized cover letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the job’s requirements and explains why you’re a perfect fit. Highlight your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the role.

By demonstrating that you’ve tailored your application, you’re showing recruiters that you’re genuinely interested and dedicated to securing the job. This small effort can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.

👉 Check out ResumeSpice’s sample resumes for inspiration, and if you’d like further professional guidance, they just so happen to be the #1 top rated resume writing service…

✅ Do: Use the Right Keywords in Resumes and Applications

Incorporating the right keywords on your job application documents is a highly important step in getting past the ATS (and onto the desk of the hiring manager). Utilizing relevant keywords can make or break your application as many companies use ATS to screen resumes- and without using the right keywords, your resume may not see the light of day- even if you are a great fit for the role. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Analyze job descriptions to identify specific keywords related to required skills, qualifications, and industry terms.
2. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your resume, cover letter, and even LinkedIn profile to show alignment with the job requirements.

By using the same language as the job description, you increase your chances of passing through ATS- ultimately increasing your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers and moving forward in the hiring process.

The Don’ts When Applying for Jobs Online

Now that we’ve covered the key do’s of applying for jobs online, let’s shift gears and talk about the don’ts. While it’s important to follow the best practices, avoiding certain missteps can make a huge difference in your job search. By steering clear of these common mistakes, you’ll present yourself as a polished, professional candidate who’s serious about the opportunity.

❌ Don’t: Apply to Every Job

Applying to every job you come across might seem like a good strategy, but it’s actually more likely to hurt your chances than help them. When you apply carelessly, you risk coming off as unfocused or desperate, which can make hiring managers question your commitment to the role. Instead, focus on applying for positions that closely align with your skills, experience, and career goals.

This targeted approach allows you to tailor your application to each job, increasing your chances of standing out and showing genuine interest in the position. Quality over quantity is key when it comes to job applications. Here’s how to focus your efforts:

• Evaluate job requirements: Look for roles that match your skills, experience, and qualifications. If you’re missing key skills or certifications, it might not be the right fit.
• Assess company culture: Consider whether the company’s values and mission align with your own career goals and values before applying.
• Prioritize relevant opportunities: Apply for jobs where you can make a clear impact and are genuinely excited about the responsibilities.

🔹Remember: Each job is unique, and hiring managers can easily spot a resume that hasn’t been tailored. Failing to customize your resume shows a lack of effort and interest in the role, which may lead employers to overlook your application.

❌ Don’t: Submit Applications with Errors

Submitting applications with errors can significantly hurt your chances of landing the job. To make sure your application stands out for the right reasons, follow these tips:

• Proofread your materials: Carefully read through your resume, cover letter, and other documents to catch any typos or grammatical mistakes.
• Use proofreading tools: Utilize tools like spell check and grammar check to help catch common errors.
• Read out loud: Reading your application aloud can help identify awkward phrasing, unclear sentences, or overlooked mistakes.
• Ask for a second opinion: Have a friend or colleague review your application materials for any mistakes you might have missed.
• Check formatting: Ensure your documents are well-organized and formatted correctly, making them easy to read and professional.
• Take a break and revisit: If time allows, step away for a day or two before submitting your application. Fresh eyes can help you spot errors and refine your content.

Taking the time to submit an error-free application shows hiring managers that you’re detail-oriented and committed to presenting your best self!

❌ Don’t: Forget to Follow Up (Or be Overly Persistent)

Following up on your job application shows enthusiasm, but there’s a fine line between being proactive and being overly persistent. Failing to follow up can make you seem uninterested, but bombarding the hiring manager with frequent messages can have the opposite effect. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

• Send a personalized follow-up right away – Whether via LinkedIn or email, reach out to the hiring manager with a thoughtful, non-templated message. Mention that you’ve applied and briefly highlight why you’re excited about the role or how your skills make you a strong fit.
• Be patient: Give the hiring team enough time to review applications before following up. Refrain from contacting them too soon or too often.
• Follow up after five days – If you haven’t heard back, send a polite follow-up message reaffirming your interest in the role. Focus on expressing your continued interest and enthusiasm for the role without being pushy.
• Respect their timeline: If they mention a timeframe for getting back to candidates, wait until that period has passed before following up again.

By following up in a respectful and professional manner, you demonstrate your interest and initiative without overwhelming the hiring team.

Summary

Success on online job applications comes from a strategic approach, focusing on what you should do and avoiding common pitfalls. In this blog, we’ve covered the essential do’s and don’ts of the online job application process. From optimizing your online presence to crafting tailored resumes and cover letters, these actions can significantly increase your chances of landing that next job. At the same time, being mindful of mistakes like applying to every job, submitting error-filled applications, or failing to follow up can save you from unnecessary setbacks.

Remember, the job market is competitive, but with the right strategies, you can stand out and land the job you desire. Stay focused, be diligent, and approach each application with care and professionalism!

Q&A

Q: Why is it important to tailor my resume for each job application?

A: It’s crucial to tailor your resume for each job application because it highlights your relevant skills and experience, making it easier for hiring managers to see you’re the perfect fit. This personalized approach significantly boosts your chances of getting noticed.

Q: How can I make my cover letter stand out?

A: To make your cover letter stand out, personalize it by addressing the company’s specific needs and clearly showcasing how your skills align with those needs. This tailored approach can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview.

Q: What are the right keywords to use in my resume?

A: The key is to pull keywords directly from the job description that highlight relevant skills and qualifications, and then weave them into your resume naturally. This approach helps ensure you catch the attention of hiring managers and applicant tracking systems.

Q: How can my social media profiles impact my job search?

A: Your social media profiles can significantly impact your job search since employers usually review them. Keeping a professional online presence enhances your image, while any inappropriate content can jeopardize your chances.

Work With a Trusted Houston Recruiter

Navigating the complexities of the online job application process can be daunting. If you’re looking to enhance your job search strategy and ensure your applications stand out, consider partnering with a professional staffing agency like Murray Resources. Our team of experienced recruiters can provide personalized guidance to help you tailor your applications and increase your chances of securing an interview. Check out our current job openings or contact us today to get started.