As more and more employers use the internet for applications, the traditional paper form is becoming less used. However it is important to remember that the basic rules of recruitment remain the same - the job still comes through a job advert or through your details being on a database.
There are three parts to online recruitment:
This is like the vacancies pages of a newspaper where lots of jobs are advertised. Examples of this kind of site are www.monster.com or www.totaljobs.com
These company sites are useful for carrying out research before making applications to employers. Many companies indicating they have vacancies ask you to leave your details so that they can email you back if interested.
This is the fastest growing type of site run by the big internet-based recruiters. They ask applicants to complete an extensive online questionnaire that builds a profile of your skills, which is then matched against employers' requirements.
Download the form if you can and make draft copies of it so that you can continue to work on the form.
Take as much time over it as you would any written for.
Take time with the layout as employers print off many forms and you want it to look good on paper.
Make sure you follow instructions accurately. Register by using a password so that you can work on the form at a later date.
Avoid chatty, casual style. Check your spelling carefully.
Use key words, which relate to core skills. Some employers use software packages to sift for key words in the application form.
