Avoid 3 Traps of the On-line Job Application

More and more companies are requiring you to complete an on-line job application as part of the hiring process. Why, because they can.  But also because they won't have to pay someone to do data entry, you've done it for them (that can be the positive).

The application is a weeding out tool.  Perhaps employers won't admit it, but, they are looking for certain things that would result in your elimination from the pack. 

Before I list those three traps, remember that the application must also contain the right "buzz words" or "key words".  There is no dictionary or thesaurus for these words, it is easier than that.  The words the employer searches for are generally the words used in the job posting.  Simple.  Just as you are entering in key words or job titles into www.indeed.com, so are they entering in key words to find the best applicants. 

This also means you will want to type in as much quality stuff as possible.  Don't take short cuts. 

OK, so you are entering the easy stuff:  name, address, telephone, email address... and then you come to

ONE:  "What are your salary requirements?" 

You try in vain to skip to the next question, but it won't let you. Darn, you'll have to put a number in. Shoot, what number do you put?  What you really want, how much you were paid in you last job, a low-ball number?  Maybe.  There isn't an easy answer for this.  The answer depends on many things.  Industry, occupation, competition in both, company and the alignment of the moon and stars. 

The answer will require that you step back and do some research.  Talk to people in your occupation, ideally in that company, use salary calculators and talk to recruiters in that field.  Ask for advice from people.

With this information in hand, pick a mid-point.  The mid point would be a salary you would accept for this job plus some.  Sure, nice and easy.  It isn't.  The idea is to put a number in there that you would be ok with and that the employer finds within their range. 

All this is predicated on the skills and requirements of the job.  It isn't about you.  How many years of experience is the job posting requiring?  That's the biggest clue as to the level of salary the employer expects to pay.

With this question answered, you move onto the Work History section. 

Read the instructions carefully.  Employers and jobs are not the same.  If the instructions state: "List Employers"  that is what you need to do.  So list the employers you have had within the last 10-15 years.  Remember, the instructions didn't specify how far back to go. This is your choice.  If the instructions state:  "List every position", then list each job you had with each employer. Be sure to break down employment by different jobs within a large company to show adaptability and ability to change. 

But then the application asks for

TWO:  salary information for previous jobs. 

Why, because they can.  Truly, it is none of their business how much you were paid before.  That is between you and the IRS.  But being a good "instruction follower" you'll provide a number for them if it doesn't hurt your chances.  If the number is too high, you could be out.  How can you downplay this number?  You could put your starting salary in that position/job assuming that you received raises and made more at the end.  Whatever you do, do NOT lie.  That will not work. 

Phew, now it is on to the question

Three: "Reason for leaving". 

Sometimes you'll have pull down options.  Sometimes you'll type it in.  Keep it positive and short.  Always use the most positive response, not the absolute truth.  If you were fired, but it was due to a difference of opinion when new management took over, would you choose:

a) Fired
b) Personal
c) Position eliminated
d) Change in management

The answer could be... c) Position eliminated or d) Change in management.

Applications will ask if you know someone in the company.  Make sure this person knows you are applying before you include their name.  Also make sure they are in good standing with the company.  Name dropping can be a real plus. 

As always, if you can find someone inside the company to send your resume to or who is willing to be a "champion" for you, use them too!  Filling out application after application will tend to result in a lack-luster response.  Take the extra step and get the resume to the right person. Better yet, you should have identified this employer as a target and been in contact BEFORE the job was posted.

Comments

[Ellen]

Thanks for addressing these questions! Any suggestions for what to put if you've never had an annual salary before?

[Career Sherpa]

Ram, Yikes, good story and a valuable lesson learned. Thank you for sharing this. Sometimes we learn the hard way, sometimes we learn from others.

[Ram]

Thank you Hannah, you write really great nuggets.
" Make sure this person knows you are applying before you include their name" --> I made a mistake in a previous company I worked with. I had an interview with my current employer and just around the time I was chosen to be hired, i had provided the name and phone number of then current manager, however, I had not talked to him myself, and he received an inquiry call. Naturally he was surprised, and he came over to my cubicle and took me over to his office and asked me about details. I know it was embarassing and surprising for him that I had put him on spot. Fortunately, he was very understanding and we were in good stands. I realized at that point about "no surprises" rule.