by Applying for jobs online has taken over the modern world. Everything is just a couple of clicks away. Away from the hassles of scanning and printing, you can create your resume online and cover letter and send them within a few minutes.
This article guides you through the major steps of how to apply for jobs online. We will start with optimizing your documents and even discuss following up with the hiring manager after you send your application.
Preparing documents to apply for jobs online
Finding a job in today’s digital landscape can be overwhelming. However, with the right preparation and approach, you can enhance your chances of success. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process of applying for jobs online.
Crafting an effective resume
A resume is a formal document that provides an overview of your professional background, skills, education, and work experience. It’s one of the first things employers review when considering candidates.
Each job is unique, and your resume should reflect how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate for that specific role.
Here’s how to tailor your document for online job application practice:
- Analyze the job description. Look for keywords and phrases in the job listing that highlight the skills and experiences the employer values.
For example, if the job requires "project management skills," ensure that your resume includes relevant experiences that demonstrate your expertise in this area. - Match skills and experiences. Once you've identified the keywords, align your skills and experiences with them.
For example, if the position emphasizes "team leadership," include specific examples of when you successfully led a team, mentioning the project outcomes and any accolades received.
Employers typically spend only a few seconds scanning each application. Keeping your resume concise and focused is essential to capture their attention.
- Unless you have extensive experience (10+ years), aim for a one-page document. Focus on your most relevant experiences and accomplishments.
- Bullet points make information easier to digest than lengthy paragraphs. Start each bullet with a strong action verb to convey impact effectively.
- Make sure not to repeat the same abilities or experiences in different sections. Instead, focus on diverse achievements to showcase a well-rounded skill set.
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A clear and organized resume structure can further enhance readability. Here’s a sample outline:
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Contact info | Name, phone number, email, LinkedIn profile |
| Resumesummary | A brief overview of your professional background and career goals. |
| Experience | Job title, company name, dates, key achievements (use bullet points). |
| Education | Degree, institution, graduation year. Include honors or relevant coursework if applicable. |
| Skills | A list of relevant skills, including technical, soft, and industry-specific knowledge. |
| Certifications | Any additional certifications that enhance your qualifications (e.g., PMP, Google Analytics). |
| Volunteer work | If applicable, include relevant volunteer experiences that showcase your skills. |
Here's a sample marketing resume that showcases a range of experiences, abilities, and achievements typical in the field.
Alex Thompson
Email: alex.thompson@email.com
Phone: (123) 456-7890
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexthompson
Location: Chicago, ILSummary
Innovative marketing professional with 7+ years of experience developing data-driven strategies to boost brand visibility, engagement, and revenue. Proven track record in digital marketing, social media, and brand management, with a focus on optimizing ROI and crafting compelling campaigns.
Professional Experience
Marketing Manager
BlueWave Media, Chicago, IL
January 2020 – Present
- Develop and execute multi-channel marketing campaigns, achieving a 30% increase in online engagement and a 20% lift in lead generation within the first year.
- Manage social media accounts (LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter) and implemented strategies that grew followers by 50% and boosted average monthly impressions by 75%.
- Launch targeted email campaigns with A/B testing, achieving a 15% improvement in open rates and a 10% increase in click-through rates.
- Collaborate with the content and design teams to produce branded content, resulting in a 40% boost in blog traffic and a 25% increase in time-on-page.
Digital Marketing Specialist
TechSavvy Solutions, Boston, MA
June 2017 – December 2019
- Spearheaded SEO strategies that improved search engine rankings for key products, resulting in a 45% increase in organic traffic within six months.
- Managed Google Ads campaigns with a budget of $15K/month, optimizing for higher quality scores and reducing cost-per-click by 20%.
- Developed and launched a content marketing strategy focused on blog and video content, leading to a 35% increase in lead acquisition.
- Conducted data analysis using Google Analytics and HubSpot, providing actionable insights that informed quarterly marketing strategies.
Marketing Intern
BrightPath Healthcare, Chicago, IL
Summer 2016
- Assisted with the planning and execution of social media campaigns, increasing engagement by 15% through innovative content strategies.
- Created weekly reports on campaign performance, identifying top-performing content and areas for improvement.
- Conducted competitive analysis to inform marketing tactics and contributed ideas for brand positioning.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Graduated: May 2017
Skills
- Digital Marketing Tools: Google Analytics, HubSpot, Hootsuite, MailChimp, Salesforce, SEMrush
- Technical Skills: SEO, PPC, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Social Media Management, Data Analysis
- Soft Skills: Creative Problem Solving, Communication, Project Management, Team Collaboration, Adaptability
Certifications
- Google Analytics Certification
- HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
- Facebook Blueprint Certification (for Facebook Ads)
Projects
Brand Repositioning Project
- Led a team initiative to reposition BlueWave Media’s brand, conducting customer research and competitive analysis to redefine the brand voice and aesthetic. This increased customer retention by 15% and strengthened brand loyalty.
Content Strategy for B2B Outreach
- Developed and implemented a content strategy at TechSavvy Solutions targeting B2B clients, including whitepapers, case studies, and webinars. This contributed to a 25% increase in qualified leads.
Writing a compelling cover letter
A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume in an online job application. It introduces you to the employer, provides context, and highlights specific skills that make you an ideal candidate for the position.
The accompanying letter gives a personal touch and lets you connect your experience directly with the requirements.
It allows you to tell a bit of your story, show your interest in the specific role, and provide insight into how you see yourself contributing to the company.
Key elements for the online application process:
- Contact information. Your name, phone number, email, and date, often formatted at the top of the page. You might also include the employer’s name and address.
- Greeting. A polite salutation, ideally addressing the hiring manager by name (e.g., "Dear Ms. Smith"). If the name isn’t available, "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable.
- Introduction. A brief paragraph stating the role you’re applying for and a compelling reason you’re interested. This is a good spot to mention how you found the job listing if it’s relevant.
- Body. One or two paragraphs expanding on specific skills, experiences, or achievements that relate directly to the job. For example, you might mention a time when you led a project that’s relevant to the position or explain how your background aligns with the company’s values.
- Closing. A final paragraph expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity and a willingness to discuss your application further. Include a thank-you note, like "Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills can contribute to your company."
- Sign-off. A closing phrase, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.
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Build My Cover LetterHere’s an example of a cover letter for a position in marketing. The sample can be adapted to any field with similar structure and focus on relevant skills and experiences.
Emma Martinez
emma.martinez@email.com
(555) 555-7890
October 31, 2024Lisa Chang
Head of Marketing
EcoTrend SolutionsDear Ms. Chang,
I am excited to apply for the Marketing Manager position at EcoTrend Solutions. With over five years of experience in digital marketing and a proven record of driving sustainable brand growth through digital campaigns, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your team.
In my most recent role at GreenPath Ventures, I led a campaign that increased web traffic by 40% and boosted email sign-ups by 30% within six months. Through strategic market research and the application of SEO best practices, we reached a broader audience and significantly improved brand visibility.
My responsibilities also included managing a cross-functional team to align our campaign’s objectives with the company’s sustainability goals. This resulted in the successful launch of our “Go Green” initiative.
One of the most exciting aspects of EcoTrend Solutions is your commitment to impactful storytelling around environmental sustainability. I admire the “Eco Impact” campaign, where you engaged audiences by highlighting personal stories of individuals making small, sustainable changes. This approach deeply resonates with my own values. I’m eager to bring my skills in content development, data analysis, and storytelling to contribute to your continued success.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be thrilled to discuss how my experience and passion for sustainable marketing can make a positive impact at EcoTrend Solutions. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you.
Warm regards,
Emma Martinez
Building a professional online presence
In today’s job market, employers often look at candidates' profiles as part of their decision-making process.
Your LinkedIn profile serves as an online resume and can significantly impact your job search.
Follow these steps to optimize the page:
- Professional photo. Use a high-quality image where you are dressed appropriately for your industry.
- Compelling headline. Your headline should be more than just your job title. Consider adding your skills or career aspirations (e.g., “Digital Marketing Specialist | SEO Enthusiast | Content Creator”).
- Detailed experience. Expand on your job responsibilities and accomplishments in the Experience section. Use bullet points to maintain clarity.
- Skills and endorsements. Include relevant skills and seek endorsements from colleagues to enhance credibility.
- Engage with content. Share articles, comment on industry trends, and engage with posts from others in your field to increase visibility.
Employers may review other social media profiles, so it’s crucial to maintain a professional image.
- Adjust your privacy settings to limit public access to your personal information.
- Go through your posts and photos to remove anything that might be deemed unprofessional or controversial.
- Use platforms like Twitter or Instagram to share industry-related content or insights.
If applicable, create a personal website or portfolio showcasing your work. This can be particularly valuable for creative professionals or those in fields such as marketing, design, or writing.
How to apply for a job online?
Instructions
Ensure you carefully follow any specific instructions provided in the listing when applying for a job online. This may include file formats for submitting your resume (e.g., PDF, Word) and any required documents.
- If a cover letter is requested, ensure you include it as part of your application package.
- For creative roles, submit a portfolio or work samples if requested.
Proofreading
Before hitting “submit,” take the time to double-check your documents for errors.
Consider the following:
- Use tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word's spell-check feature to catch any typos.
- Make sure you have attached the correct version of your resume and cover letter.
- Ensure that your documents are formatted consistently (e.g., font type and size) to maintain a professional appearance.
Tracking your online job application
As you fill out an application online for various positions, keeping track of them can become challenging.
Create a spreadsheet to log your applications, including the following details:
- The title of the position you applied for.
- The name of the organization.
- When you submitted your application.
- Track whether you've heard back, have an interview scheduled, or have been rejected.
- Note when you plan to follow up if you haven't received a response.
Job platforms for applying for jobs online
Start your search with some of the most widely used job boards:
- Indeed. This site aggregates listings from various sources, making it one of the most comprehensive job search engines.
- Glassdoor. In addition to job listings, Glassdoor offers company reviews and salary information, helping you research potential employers.
- LinkedIn. Use LinkedIn not only to apply for jobs but also to connect with professionals in your field, expanding your network.
- Monster and CareerBuilder. Both platforms offer a variety of job listings, free resume writing tools, and career advice.
Most platforms allow you to set alerts based on your search criteria. This feature ensures you are notified of new job postings that match your preferences, saving you time and keeping you informed.
Conclusion
With the right approach, applying for jobs online can be a fast and easy way to secure an interview and even your dream job.
By creating a tailored document package, making good use of online resources, and staying active and engaged in the process, you can greatly increase your chances of getting a role.
But, ultimately, success in the job search depends on persistence. If you stay at it, and use all the tools at your disposal, you will be well on your way to securing a position that’s right for you.
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