Online Job Application Etiquette
When applying for a job online, it is important to remember you are applying for a position that will reach the eyes of an actual human being. Take all the care that you would in applying for a position through the mail or in person when you apply for a job online.
Other People Are Reading
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Read Job Description
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Many of your questions about the job's specifics may very well be detailed in the online job application or in the job description. Read both carefully to find out answers to questions such as when the job closes, when a hiring decision will be made, the next step in the hiring process, who will review your application and other relevant job information. Avoid asking sending an email to ask questions about the job's responsibilities or about other readily available information.
Use Readable Font
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Just as you would not turn in a resume on hot pink paper with bright blue lettering, do not submit an online job application or resume using crazy fonts or formatting. If you are uploading a resume, keep it clear of complicated formatting. Use a readable font in at least a 10-point font if you are uploading a cover letter or resume for an online job application.
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Proofread
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In the era of spell check and grammar check in word processing programs, you should not have difficulty making sure your application is free of spelling, grammatical and mechanical errors. It is true spell checker and grammar checker do not always catch your mistakes, but you should read back through every response to online job application questions before you hit the "submit" button for the final time to turn in your application. Ask someone else to read through it before you submit it as well to help you catch mistakes.
Capitalization
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Avoid capitalizing all of the words in your online application. This is seen as yelling at the person reading your words in the Internet world. Also, remember to capitalize the first letters of words at the beginning of sentences, names and locations.
Keep It Short
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If you are sending a cover letter along with your online application, or uploading one to the online job application system, keep your letter brief and to the point. Also remember to address the hiring manager by name in your cover letter. This is also applicable to questions you answer about yourself on the job application.
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