Many people applying for jobs today have found themselves being forced into applying for jobs online. Though this is a great convenience for both the possible employer and the applicants it can sometimes make job seekers think that they are close to a job without really putting in the work necessary to stand out in this tough job market.

In today’s job market it is going to be hard to stand out from the horde of applicants many employers are getting for even what most would consider menial jobs. When applying for jobs online be sure to understand your fit for the position. Just because applying for a job is easy doesn’t mean you are qualified. If you do feel you would be able to do the work required make sure to include the skills and training in your resume or answers that have been identified in the job opening itself. I am not saying to stretch the truth but if a job opening requires excel and you do not have it on your resume it may not even get to a live person to review it. It may be filtered out just on that basis.

Include everything that you think will reinforce your fit for the opening. If they have a place for a cover letter on top of a resume be sure to include one that highlights both what you feel you can offer the company as well as any insights you already have about the company itself. Do your homework and this will differentiate you from the other folks who have the generic “I would love to work for your company because it is so great…”

After you have gone through the online application process don’t be afraid to follow up with a phone call. Try to get the right contact person and even if you can’t a call into at least HR might separate you from the crowd. This will also help you to understand what the time table is for making hiring decisions for the specific opening.

Just because applying for jobs online is easy don’t take things for granted in this economy. Remember that hope is not a strategy and that looking for a job is now your job. Apply for the jobs that are really a fit for your background. Whenever possible create a human connection so that there is someone looking out for your application on the other side of that internet connection.

Though applying for jobs online can seem easy depending on your background there are many people out of work today that do not have the best computer skills. They may need some extra help understanding how to research job openings online as well as actually stepping through the full application process for whatever opening they are hoping to get. The truth is that not all companies use the same systems so it may be confusing even for some internet savvy folks. If you need help there are resources available at many public libraries as well as unemployment offices. Don’t be afraid to let them help you when applying for jobs online.

Author Bio: Alex is freelance writer. Find helpful information on window tinting and car tinting on her latest website.

Category: Career
Keywords: applying for jobs online