When you're filling out paper job applications, the rules are pretty obvious - fill in all the blanks, don't lie, keep it neat and have everything spelled correctly.
But online applications are a whole different ball game. Sure, they have the standard questions about contact information, etc., but these applications have additional questions and usually a "personality test" that can take up to an hour to complete!
Here are the basic guidelines for completing an online application:
1. Before you start, make sure you are prepared with all the information you need (including names and phone numbers of previous employers). On some applications, taking too long will disqualify you before anyone even sees your application (like if you have to hunt for a name of a supervisor or a phone number). However, it is usually okay to save your application and come back to it if you really need to. I've never seen an online application that didn't have this option. Also, make sure you have a good internet connection and your environment is free of distractions.
2. Do not skip any questions (unless the question says something like, "For Maryland residents only", and you live in Rhode Island... ) and don't lie.
3. If you have a criminal history, be upfront about it. You are required by law to report it unless you are a resident of Massachusetts or Hawaii. However, read the question carefully - what are they asking? "Have you ever been convicted of a crime" is a very different question from "Have you been convicted of a felony within the past 7 years". Even if you've been convicted of a crime, you may be able to answer "No" depending on what the question asks for.
4. Several online apps ask for previous addresses and how long you lived there. I'm not sure what the reason for this is - I can only guess it's to see if you're someone who moves from state to state every six months. Be prepared with that information and if you have moved a lot, consider listing your parents' home as your previous address.
5. On the personality test, try not to over-think it. Your answers will end up looking scattered and disorganized. (This is hard, I know! I "failed" the personality test for a job I was eventually offered, for this reason.)
6. Employers want to see extreme honesty - so it's okay to be honest about your limitations. They are, however, looking for people who have a positive outlook and can have good relationships with coworkers (hint, hint).
7. If the test has options like, "sometimes," "always," and "never," don't select the middle-of-the-road option too often. It may come off as you not paying attention, and your application may be tossed. Move steadily through the questions. Read each one carefully but don't idle. Taking too long or changing too many answers may make it look like someone was helping you.
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Hi, I'm Maria, The Working Girl. Check out my blog, http://workinggirlworld.wordpress.com/ for up-to-date, valuable information on competing in today's job market, and feel free to leave a comment if there's something you'd like me to write about!
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