Long gone are the days when the only way to get a job was by traipsing around the city with a bag full of CVs to hand out, or by following in the footsteps of a family business.
Most jobs today allow you to apply for them online, making it easy to keep an eye out for roles becoming available in the sectors you really want to work in, and allowing you to apply for several at once without even leaving the house. Check out our handy tips below to make sure your online job hunting goes as smoothly and successfully as possible.
Creating the perfect CV
Your CV is the most important component you have when it comes to applying for jobs, so it’s vital that it’s as perfect as possible. Many websites offer CV templates that you can download and edit as needed, so you don’t even have to worry about starting from scratch.
If your CV is computer-based, it’s best to make sure you save several up-to-date copies on your computer and other devices, to ensure that you don’t lose it. As you’ll be working on an online editor such as Microsoft Word, another bonus of having a digital CV is that you don’t have to worry so much about spelling mistakes, as your chosen programme can check all of that for you at the click of a button.
Looking for appropriate jobs
If you have experience in one specific area and you’re looking to stick to jobs in that sector, you can filter your searches so that you only come across positions you want to apply for.
Job search websites such as Indeed allow you to set notifications on sectors you’re interested in within your chosen geographical area. This way, when a job becomes available that’s suitable for you, you’ll receive an email linking you to the position so that you can apply almost immediately.
With Indeed, you’re often able to apply for the job directly from the website, cutting out the hassle of applying via email or trawling through another website for instructions on how to submit your details.
Filling out applications
As well as your CV, some jobs will require you to fill out applications that require information that’s specific to the job itself. On the other hand, sometimes the application is all they ask for, in which case you should copy all relevant information from your CV to paste into the application form and ensure you tick all of the boxes that will secure you an interview.
Either way, make sure to keep copies of all the applications you send out, because they might come in handy in the future when it’s time to update your CV or fill out a new application for a similar position.
