Applying for Jobs Online: Helpful Do's and Don'ts???

Are you looking for a new job? If you answered yes, there is a good chance that you will soon start an online job search. In addition to searching for jobs online, you will also likely find yourself applying for jobs online. For many companies, it is easier and more cost effective to simply accept applications and resume online than in person. If you are ready to start applying, please keep some of these helpful dos and don'ts in mind.


DO attach your resume when possible. Even though many companies have online application forms that you are encouraged to fill out, many also give you the option to upload your resume. You should consider doing both. Resumes are more professional in nature, especially when well-written and well-formatted.

DON'T fill out an online job application as if it were an online contest form or a text message with your friends. Basically this means you want to use good spelling and grammar. Don’t type in all lowercase letters or all uppercase letters only; use the proper combination of both when compiling a sentence. Avoid using shorthand texts or abbreviations.

DO apply for a job once and be done with it. Now, it is okay to go back and apply for the same job (if an online application is still posted) 6 months down the road. However, you do not want to make the mistake of applying for the same jobs multiple times in a week or a month’s time. Sending in multiple copies of your resume or filling out an online job application three times in one week isn’t going to get your resume notice more than anyone else’s. In fact, it is likely to create a bad impression.

DON'T be afraid to call and check the status of your application. However, DO give it time to process. When you apply for jobs online, your resume or online application needs to travel down the pipeline. Lets say you are applying for a bank teller position that a local bank. You submitted an online application. That application needs to make its way to your local branch before anything else happens (it will then get reviewed and you might receive a phone call). It is only natural to wonder if an online application went through, but give it at least 5 days before you call to check on your application’s status.

DON'T put all your eggs in one basket. There are way too many job seekers who get excited because they found their “dream job” or a job that they would be “awesome” at. Most apply for that job and stop applying for more. It is okay to be excited about a position you applied for and, of course, you want to be confident. However, it is a bad idea to put all your eggs in one basket. No harm will come from applying for 20 jobs or more. In fact, it only increases your chances of actually landing a well-paying job.