The Advantages of Applying for Jobs Online
There are two main ways to apply for jobs: by filling out a paper application or firing up your computer and applying online. Online applications are now commonplace. Filling out a paper application when a company accepts online applications is essentially like choosing to send a letter through standard mail rather than through email. Online applications are faster and more convenient.
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Availability
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When you apply for jobs on a paper application, you often have no idea if the position you're applying for is actually open. Companies that accept applications online list which positions are open, and only accept applications for those positions. This allows you to quickly ignore companies that aren't hiring for what you specialize in and move on to companies that are. More time spent applying for jobs that actually exist means you have a better chance of getting an interview.
Variety
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Many job search websites list all jobs that apply to the job you searched for. For example, if you search "Customer service jobs" then all available jobs related to customer service will appear, from a variety of different companies. You can widen the results by choosing to search for jobs within 15, 30, 50 or even more than 100 miles of your current location. When you apply for jobs in person, you don't have this luxury, and you could accidently bypass hiring companies that you've never heard of.
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Fast and Convenient
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Since the search results from job search websites list so many jobs at one time, you can apply to different jobs without ever leaving your seat. This makes the application process faster, since you can often complete five or more online applications by the time you would complete two paper applications. Many applications also come with a "Save" feature which allows you to save the application and come back to it at a later time, in case you cannot finish the application in one sitting.
Online Resume
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If applying for multiple jobs in one sitting isn't fast enough for you, many job search websites allow you to upload your resume and basically let it sit there for companies to see. Interested companies can then contact you via email and discuss your resume and a possible interview. You're essentially applying to jobs while you sleep. This method is especially beneficial for companies that didn't have any openings at the time you applied for jobs, because they can still see your resume even though you never applied for a position.
Sometimes It's Required
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Restricting yourself to paper applications can lessen your chances of finding a job. Some companies, especially those that operate only online, require that you apply through an online application. As long as the Internet becomes more and more convenient, online-only companies will become more popular.
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References
- Photo Credit computer image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com
