How to Complete an Online Job Application

Job hunting becomes more automated every day. Human resources departments place their job advertisements online. Websites dedicated to helping you find a job can store your cover letter and resume. When you find a job to which you want to apply, you must complete an online application. Completing the online job application can consist of a simple process, or it can drag into a frustrating endeavor that tempts you to cancel the entire process. Don't give up. When it comes to online job applications, knowing how they work and what to expect keeps you in the job-hunting game.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Turn off your browser's pop-up blockers. They can block application pages from successfully opening.

2. Complete the personal information section. This section often includes your current name and phone number. Make sure to also include a current email address, because most replies will come via email. Select a username and password that allow you to access your account and follow up on the status of your online application.

3. Complete the employment history section. Relevant employment history should include dates of employment. Take note that dates of employment sections often look like little boxes set off to one side, so you can easily miss them.

4. Complete the educational history section. Include degrees, certifications and schools or programs that you currently attend.

5. List your references. Make sure to notify your references that they might receive a call or email from the employer.

6. Submit a cover letter. If an upload button does not exist on the application, look for a cut-and-paste section that allows you to paste your cover letter into your application materials.

Tips & Warnings

• Some companies divide their applications into separate pages. If you reach the bottom of a page, click "save application." Do not click "continue" until you save your application. Sometimes if you click continue before clicking save, you could experience a computer glitch, and all your progress might get lost. After you click "save application," click "continue."

• Do not click your browser's back button. If you need to revisit a previous page, click the application "previous" page. Look for "previous" buttons in the upper-left or lower-left corner. If you use your browser's back button, you might lose all of your information.

• Complete all the pertinent information. Double-check your work. If you don't submit complete information, the page may refresh, and you'll receive an error message. After you proceed past the error message, you'll notice all your information cleared, and you will have to start again.

References

• Riely Guide: "Kiosks and Online Applications"
• Worksmart California: "Tips for Success: The Application"
• Delaware Office of Management and Budget: "Delaware Employment Link"