Tip for online job applications

Some online job application processes may prompt you to upload a copy of your resume even when there are plenty of those (stupid) boxes for you to type in all of your personal information and employment details. Don't upload your resume. Here's why:

The computer software program that the company uses for job applications will try to automatically fill in those boxes by searching the resume you uploaded. Guess what? Typically the only information that ends up in the correct box (based on your uploaded resume) is your address. If you've done this before then you know what happens next.

You'll be shouting and cursing at your computer because you have to go back through all those boxes to correct all those mistakes. So, just skip the uploading part and fill in those boxes one by one. It is truly a pain. But, so is uploading your resume only to figure out that you have to go back through all the boxes again.

[Note: Can you tell I despise those fill-in-the-box applications? Do you have suggestions from your experience? Leave a comment!]

Salary Snippet

Yes, we all have a minimum acceptable salary. However, if the job application has a blank box for 'salary' I recommend putting 'salary negotiable' or 'negotiable' on the application. Wait until the employer gives you a job offer to discuss your salary.

Federal Government Job Applications and Resumes

Invest in a book or advice on how to correctly create a federal job resume. Federal job applications are very different from many online applications. They can be very long and sometimes tricky to complete. I have found that usajobs.gov explains how the process works but it will take you some time to complete your first application. The book I purchased is called Federal Resume Guidebook by Kathryn Kraemer Troutman. It was the best book available at my bookstore when I needed it. If you know someone who works for the federal government you should see if you can get some pointers on the application process. And of course, share them with us!

From a personal stand-point, I have applied for 3 federal government jobs and was rejected twice because I was not "best qualified." Make sure you read and re-read the job description. It may be o.k. to apply even if you are not "best qualified." Just remember that there are probably people who are "best qualified."

Be Professional!

Do not bring your children or friends to pick up job applications or to interviews. You are the company you keep. Here are two unfortunate scenarios that could happen:

1. A mother brings her child to pick up an application. The manager is there and wants to speak with the mother about the job. The child starts crying and is inconsolable. What now?

2. You and your best friend walk into a store together to get applications. You remain professional. However, for some strange reason your best friend decides to ask the manager if you can both be hired. Your best friends says if both of you can't work there then you don't want to apply. (That's a no-brainer for the manager. Don't hire either one of them.) What now?

Have a similar scenario to share? You can post anonymously or send me an email (joblessgenevieve@gmail.com). Thanks!

Should I Apply for this Job?

So, you have signed up for email alerts from many different job search engines. Your inbox has 30+ alert emails coming through everyday in addition to all of your regular emails. It is a lot to sort through. Which jobs should you apply for?

Some people apply for anything and everything online. Some people are more selective about which jobs they apply for online. While you will not know how many people may be applying for a specific job, you do know that there are lots of people looking for jobs at this time. My guess is that employers can probably find someone who has almost all of their required/requested skills. Personally, I tend to be more selective about which jobs I apply for online and have gotten pretty good at predicting who will call me back.

Now, on finances and job applications. These days the competition is stiff for un-paid internship positions and internship positions which clearly do not pay enough for one to live on their own or support anyone else. Sometimes it may be beneficial to take an un-paid or a low-paying internship. It depends on the organization and your financial situation. (Will it be a step towards full-time employment? How much is my health insurance going to cost? How will I pay my bills?)

Finally, as my brother says, "You can always tell them, 'no'." If the job sounds like a good fit but the salary or benefits make you uneasy, apply anyway. Salary and benefits may be negotiable.

Application Snippet

Are you going to send a cover letter and resume through email? If you live in the area where the job is being offered, call and ask if you may bring your cover letter and resume to the office in-person. Dress professionally and be prepared in the event of an interview.

Online job applications, a.k.a. the dreadful fill-in-the-box

Fill-in-the-box online job applications are my least favorite kind. They are tedious and time consuming. And, they are all a little bit different---enough to make you aggravated each and every time you fill one out. Do not forget that once you submit one of these application types it may fall into what I call a 'black hole'. If you do not have a referral and/or do not include specific search terms/key words that are used by computers to narrow down the applicant pool your application may be at risk of falling into a black hole. So, use the key phrases listed in the job announcement in your job application. Here is an article called, "7 Steps to Finding a Job Online" from CNNMoney, that demonstrates what I mean and what you can do about it.

Job Applications and Closing Dates

+I recommend applying for jobs the day you discover them on the internet because there are LOTS of people looking for jobs right now. Applications may actually close before the official close date due to an overwhelming number of applicants. Trust me, I have been notified of this on several occasions.

+From my experience, job applications only available for a week before closing are most likely for internal hires.

Temporary Employment

Do you need an interim job? Here is what I did and it works:

1. Seek out businesses in town that are thriving. They may need extra help.

2. Dress for success when seeking employment even if you are just walking in for 5 seconds to pick up a paper application. First appearances are crucial.

3. If you are looking for a retail position I recommend shopping around before asking about employment. Engage an employee in a conversation about their products. This will allow you to get a feel for whether you may want to work there or not. Before leaving the store you can say something like, "Would you happen to be looking for extra help or hiring?"

4. I advise dressing professionally to submit your application in-person as well. You never know when someone may want to do an impromptu interview.

5. After submitting your application in-person kindly ask, "Who may I contact about open positions?" Make sure you have a pen and paper to write down their name and number. You may have to wait a few days and then contact that person about open positions.

Selecting Professional References

+Select teachers, professors, colleagues, managers and other "persons of authority" who know your strengths and your work ethic. Generally, if you second guess whether or not to ask someone to be a reference, then you should probably find another reference.

+Remember: you do not want a run-of-the-mill recommendation. One phrase you may want to use when asking for a recommendation letter is: "Would you be willing to write a strong recommendation letter for me?" If they cannot provide a strong recommendation then you should find another reference.

+You may want to have different references for different job applications. For example, if you worked in sales previously and are applying for a business/sales related job then it may be best to have your previous sales manager provide a strong recommendation.

+Finally and most importantly, consult your reference before listing the reference on a job application unless there is a previous agreement.