The Ultimate Guide to Online Job Applications: From "Submit" to "Hired"

 

The Ultimate Guide to Online Job Applications: From "Submit" to "Hired"

Online applications

By the end of this lesson article, you will be able to conduct online applications better than before only stay focused.

Before going deeply Let’s start with introductory stories that highly influence us to understand our topic today:

Hidden facts for Using the Internet in Your Job Search (By Susan Epstein's).

The Internet provides you with many options and tools for a comprehensive job search. You can identify job openings throughout the world, locate and copy files of employer literature, exchange messages with professionals in your field, share ideas and information with specialty user groups, and find advice on cv writing, interviewing, …

Employers increasingly use the Internet as a recruiting tool! Many job search services and resources on the Internet are free to job seekers, but some do not regard different economic factors including Hosting, domain and daily web maintenance cost.

Principle benefits of using the Internet in your job search include the ability to:

·       access timely job notices around the clock.

·        locate unusual or difficult-to-find career information.

·       communicate with professionals or resource groups in specialized areas.

·       research companies, organizations, and agencies,

·        and post your résumé/apply online for positions.

However! Using the internet also entails drawbacks, the main of which are:

1.      Vast: sometimes unwieldy amounts of career and job search information

2.      privacy issues related to posting your résumé (American) online,

3.      over-utilizing the Internet while underutilizing other career resources (print, people, etc.),

4.      the disappearance or relocation of useful career sites without notice.

You can generally find career and job search information in one of several ways, using the Internet or other sources available on internet like:

·       Look up a website address in publications about Internet job searching or in directories of specialty sites on the Internet, in Rwanda especially we have government official recruitment site called MIFOTRA(e-recruitment), Jobinrwanda, Ndangira, ingazi.rw, etc.

·       use online indexing systems: often referred to as search engines, such as Yahoo or Google while connected to the Internet

·       Ask professionals in your career area if they know of helpful websites

·       Identify web pages which may link to useful sites on a certain topic (such as the Career Center Library Bookmarks located at www. career.fsu.edu/library/links.cfm

·       check Career Center files on specific topics for possible references to website addresses,

·       browse through the “How to Find Information on the Internet” notebook in the Career Center Library.

If you are interested to challenge” Optional take moment to this Simple Questions else, you will continue to next Meal!

1. According to the story above, is it easy to find an online job opportunity? Explain to yourself or to your colleagues.
2.  Suppose that you are looking for an online job opportunity. Discuss whether you would apply for a job position requiring you to pay fees to the online job search services.
3. Do you agree with the author of the above story that online job search has more advantages than disadvantages?

What is an online job application?

An online application is “a tool or software hosted on a website that users can access without downloading, allowing them to create an account, log in, and use various functionalities ranging from productivity tools to entertainment applications and games.”                                                                        

Online application procedures

As an applicant, you should first create an account that will enable you to register with the job website. Thereafter upload your CV following the provided instructions or guidelines. The most common ways to add your information are provided below:

●       Attach a file of your CV: browse for a PDF file, upload it and make sure it has successfully been uploaded.

●       Copy and paste your entire resume into the online application: insert your MSW (Microsoft Word) CV by pasting it in the provided space. This also applies to e-mail messages.

●       Enter your work history manually in one field at a time: type requested information in each field (for example name, dates of employment, duties). To save time and reduce errors, copy information concerning each field from your CV and paste it in the appropriate space.

●       Another alternative is that some companies require applicants to fill in a form with needed information which is similar to what normally makes an applicant CV (Example: personal details, education, professional experience, references).

Job interviewing

1. What is a job interview?

A job interview is a process in which an applicant is evaluated by an employer to find out whether the former is suitable for the job.

Job interview structure and skills

1.1.           Preparing for (before) the interview

●       Research the company

Gather as much information about the prospective job and employer to be able to list some of your attributes and to ask and answer questions related to the company without difficulty.  Remember to inquire about the salary people in the same position as yours are earning. Try to relate what you know about the company when requested to.

●       Rehearse or practice the interview

To seem spontaneous and appear self-confident, take time to practice answering the most typical interview questions interviewers might ask as well as the responses to those questions.  Thinking of actual examples, you can use to describe your skills as evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy. Also have a list of your own questions to ask the employer. Rehearse in front of a camera, with a friend or a family member focusing on interview etiquette. For a virtual interview, refresh your technology skills. All this helps calm your nerves during the interview.

●       Dress for the Interview according to the industry standards

Appearance is the first thing people notice about others. Thus, both the interviewer and the interviewee should observe the dress code of the company in which the interview is taking place.  Hair should be neat and stylish; nails should be well manicured and clean: short for men and of reasonable length and in a neutral color for women. Makeup should not be heavy and high-heeled shoes should be avoided.

●       Be punctual

Arrive at least 10 minutes early to allow yourself to collect your thoughts and observe the work environment by keeping your eyes and ears open. Politely, pleasantly and enthusiastically greet the receptionist, the interviewer and other people you meet.

●       Get ready

Make sure your interview is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of organization you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note taking.

1.2.           During the interview

●       An introductory stage

During this stage, there are things the interviewer and the applicant should consider:

▪         The interviewer greets the applicant and establishes rapport.

▪         The applicant (interviewee) listens to the interviewer’s name carefully, states his/her own full name and behaves himself/herself well in order not to give a bad first impression.

▪         When the interviewer introduces a friendly small talk, the interviewee should provide short answers and avoid speaking too quickly.

▪         The interviewee should also wait for the interviewer to offer his/her hand first and to authorize him/her to sit down

▪         The interviewee should keep eye contact.

●       Information from the interviewer to the candidate

The interviewer possibly provides the applicant with more information about the job applied for or the organization even though the latter might have received the very same information while preparing for the interview.

●       Questions from the interviewer(s) to the candidate. 

Depending on the skills needed, interviewers might ask a variety of questions to find out whether the applicant is suitable for the position and will get on with the employer.  Therefore, the candidate or interviewee should:

▪         maintain eye contact with the interviewer and listen to the entire question before responding in order not to be embarrassed in case s/he forgets the question.

▪          concisely present positive information and focus more on how he/she will contribute to the success of the company.

▪         show that there is a good match between his/her skills and personality.

 

●       Opportunity for the interviewee to ask questions

▪         Pay attention to the interviewer so that you can give good responses and engage the interviewer in the exercise rather than simply providing rote answers to questions.

▪          Show interest in the interview, ask some questions about special projects you will be working on towards the end of the interview in case you are allowed to.

▪         Speak slowly and clearly and pause before you answer a question.

▪         In case you understood everything, provide explanations about that to the interviewer and thank him/her for sharing information; otherwise, it will be considered that he/she was not prepared or interested in the interview.

Furthermore, during this phase, you (the applicant) should:

§  Show what you know

Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.  When discussing your career accomplishments, match them to what the company is looking for.

§  Watch your body language

Avoid mannerisms and only use meaningful body language.

§  Smile

§  Rest hand on one’s lap rather than arms folded across the chest

Inferential:

 The interviewer provides the candidate with information about the next steps in the hiring process, expectations from the applicant and ways of communicating. The interviewee thanks the employer for his/her time and consideration.

Here are a few examples:

·       I appreciate your consideration and look forward to talking more.

·       Thanks again for the opportunity to meet with you, and I look forward to speaking with you further.

·       I appreciate the consideration of working with you and your organization.

·       Thank you for considering my application.

1.3.           After the interview or follow up stage

You (the applicant) should

●       Write a thank-you note or email reiterating your interest in the job.

●       Remember to restate your qualifications and ways in which you can contribute to the advancement of the company.

●       Remember to discuss important things that both the interviewer and you did not mention during the interview.

●       Follow up a phone call within a week if you have not heard back. Be persistent and try to stay optimistic;

●        be sure to send any requested material such as transcripts, applications, or references in a timely.

we are kigali50, get involved get improved to our site

references/Additional / Further readings / links to additional resources)

https://career.vt.edu/job-search/presenting_yourself/interviewing/types-locations/typical-format.html

https://shooniyaajobconnect.com/sites/default/files/Understanding%20the%20Purpose%20and%20Types%20of%20a%20Job%20Interview.pdf