7 online job application blunders (and how to solve them)

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(Published on page J4 of the Job Market-Working People section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 24, 2013, Sunday)

http://www.jobmarketonline.com/blog/7-online-job-application-blunders-and-how-solve-them-roel-andag

By Roel Andag

Contributor

How convenient it is to live in a world where resumes can be sent in a jiffy to companies regardless of time zones and geographic locations. This ease, however, needs to be tempered by carefulness so that these blunders are avoided:

BLUNDER 1: Incorrect attachment. What the applicant thinks was a resume is a scanned receipt of payment for an item.

SOLUTION: Proper labelling of goods. When I buy Coke in can I expect Coke to pour out; I will be jolted if in my first sip my taste buds will tell me it’s another beverage. Whenever I attach my resume to my emails I always check that the file name ‘RoelAndagResume’ actually bears what it promises to deliver.

BLUNDER 2: Overwhelming volume of attachments. NBI clearance, certificates of employment, certificates of training, passport, etc. – yes, these are important documents but they don’t need to be supplied unless the recruiter specifies otherwise. As it is, the recruiter wades through hundreds of applications that a bulk of unnecessary attachments disorients him. A tsunami of unnecessary documents reeks of desperation.

SOLUTION: Attach only a resume. If the recruiter asks for other documents then by all means supply.

BLUNDER 3: Resume with "track changes" in-line editing marks on every page.

SOLUTION: The recruiter doesn’t need to see a resume that is a literal work in progress. When using MS Word’s ‘Track Changes’ option, when the modifications are found to the applicant’s satisfaction, click ‘Accept Changes’– way before submitting the application.

BLUNDER 4: Use of unprofessional email address such as dropdeadgorgeous@yahoo.com. This is not only off putting but a tad too revealing about the applicant’s personality. Yes, this may be a flimsy ground to judge the merit of an application but can you blame the recruiter for forming first impressions, which is a default psychological prioritization function?

SOLUTION: Set up a new email that is simple, straightforward and steady-sounding. Do not automatically accept system-generated email addresses. The ‘firstnamesurname@serviceprovider.com’ format is best. Same goes with profile name, simply use your baptismal name.

BLUNDER 5: Submitting an application without a cover letter.

SOLUTION: Take time to write this all-important piece of communication. An application letter is a jobhunter’s first pawn in the impressions game. It can make his application stand out in the growing pile of submissions. Besides, prefacing an application with a cover letter is basic jobhunting etiquette. Tips: highlight key qualifications that match the company’s job requirement; use bullets and eye-friendly font style and size for visual convenience; err on the side of brevity; observe correct spelling, grammar, punctuation use and the rules of business letter writing.

BLUNDER 6: Not specifying the job title.

SOLUTION: We are the multitalented, multitasking generation. We get confused in our intention to multi-impress and multi-appeal. If there are several positions advertised, do not apply to all. You appear unfocused and indecisive. Be specific because each vacancy uses different qualification parameters. The recruiter does not have the luxury of time to engage in a matching type quiz.

BLUNDER 7: Lame subject line.

SOLUTION: ‘My Application’ or ‘My Resume’ is easy to ignore among tons of other similarly headlined emails. Couple this with an unprofessional email address or profile name and your application might even be mistaken for spam. Follow this format when typing on the subject line:
Application of Roel Andag (for Training Manager). The specificity of the name and the job title, which demonstrates your attention to detail and keen interest on the job, instantly separates your email from those with generic subject lines that reflect sloppiness and lack of original thinking.

Your email application is your chance to project a favorable first impression on the recruitment officer. Make sure you have a high-impact online application before hitting the Send button.

Roel Andag is an independent trainer and HR consultant. He handles the Management Development Program of DMCI Homes. Visit his blog: www.traineroncall.blogspot.com.