5 Tips to Apply for Jobs in Confusing Online Application Systems

5 Tips to Apply for Jobs in Confusing Online Application Systems5 Tips to Apply for Jobs in Confusing Online Application Systems0Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may help hiring managers organize and evaluate werkstoff from a large pool of candidates, but job seekers sometimes find them a nuisance. Not only are erreichbar application systems confusing, they make applying for jobs more time consuming and frustrating.Eliminate some of the stress of applying for jobs, and maximize your chances of being noticed, by trying these expert-recommended strategies when dealing with online application systems and programs.5 Tips to Apply for Jobs in Confusing Online Application SystemsBe prepared.The best advice I can give job seekers about filling out an online application is to have all your information in front of you before you begin the process, says Stacy Madden, senior recruiter for Naviga Recruiting and Executive Search. Having dates, addresses, and phone numbers handy will help speed th e process along. If you find that you keep having to enter the same information on different applications, then I suggest keeping a document with all that information in one place that you can easily copy and paste into the application.Complete everything.While it may be tempting to skip parts of a tedious online application, Madden cautions against doing so. Some companies wont call you or will take you out of the hiring process if you dont fill out the entire application.Pay attention to keywords.Generic resumes rarely fare well in online application systems (or in any situation, for that matter). When applying for jobs online, design your material to meet the needs of the specific employer- and to make it through automated filters.Michael Lan, senior resume consultant at Resume Writer Direct, suggests studying the job description to determine buzz words and then tailoring your cover letter and resume accordingly with these specific terms. Remember, your main goal is to manipulate your documents so that ATS picks up on important key words and phrases, which will help indicate that you are a qualified candidate.Keep the layout simple.Many highly qualified candidates get screened out of consideration before their credentials are even evaluated because their resumes are not ATS-friendly, notes Jennifer Fishberg, owner of Career Karma. She says the safest bet is to use an ASCII plain text version of your resume for online applications and avoid formatting that may cause computer errors (such as underlining type). Similarly, Fishberg advises to stick with traditional section headers in the ATS version of your resume, such as Education and Professional Experience, that are sure to be understood by all systems.Follow up.Finally, remember that completing an online application need not be the last step when tossing your hat in the ring. Hiring managers want driven applicants, says Jamie Coakley, a managing director at Betts Recruiting. Persistent follow up expresses interest and professionalism.Coakley suggests calling the company or using LinkedIn to find the name and contact information of the hiring manager. Then, send the part a concise email explaining the most important part of your background that is a fit for the job, suggesting a time to speak, and providing your contact information for quick reference. Your enthusiasm may be just the spark needed for the employer to scour the online applications to learn more about youReaders, how do you approach online application systems when applying for jobs online? Do you like them or despise them? Share with us below