Online Job applications
Contents
Applicant Tracking System
The most popular recruitment process is the online job application.
Candidates are entered onto an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This is an automated way of shortlisting through lots of applications. Try to use some of the words in the job advert to ensure that your application is shortlisted. You can learn more about the applicant tracking system on Indeed.com.
How do I start an online job application?
- Write your CV. This will have all the information that you need for the online application.
- Study the job description so you can refer back to the specific skills and qualities the employer is looking for as you complete the form.
Typical layout of an online job description
Typical sections of an application form include:
- Personal information – remember only give out your name, email address and phone number.
- Educational history
- Work history
- Competency-based questions – give specific examples of times when you have demonstrated the skills required for the role.
- Personal statement – don’t be afraid to sell yourself. Demonstrate your passion for the company or job and any past achievements you can relate to the role. Refer to the person specification and address all the points and use the STAR method to demonstrate that you can do the job. If you do not have a specific quality, think of your transferable skills in your work history that may compliment it. For example, going for a care job, you might not have looked after vulnerable people before but if you have a background in retail you will have excellent customer service skills.
- References – Most application forms will require you to provide details of at least two people who can provide a reference. You may sometimes be asked to attach a CV and cover letter as well. Guidance on writing CVs and cover letters can be found on the Prospect website and on our CV writing and Cover letter guidance pages.
Tips for writing an online job description
- Ask somebody else to read through your application form. A second pair of eyes will help pick out errors that you may not have spotted.
- Do not be dishonest in your job application, you will be caught out. If you lie about having a qualification, it is actually committing fraud and this is a criminal offence.
- Typing your answers into a Word document, before copying and pasting them into the application form, is easier than typing directly into the web browser. Also, you will not risk losing your progress if your logged-in session times out.