Increasingly, employers are using online applications to recruit candidates quickly and cost-effectively—but that might not be such a bad thing for job seekers, either. In fact, according to a recent Spherion^® study, 40% of candidates surveyed said they landed their jobs through an online application. How did they do it, and what made their online applications or resumes stand out?

Helpful advice
The National Association of Colleges and Employers asked employers how to make an electronic application outstanding. Here's the advice they received:

1. Follow directions. Be careful to enter the correct data in the correct field. To be sure, print and review your completed application before clicking the Submit button.
2. Ask for advice on completing the application from a company recruiter or an alumnus who may work at the company.
3. Tailor your information to the position. Don't just copy and paste text from your generic resume—take advantage of the opportunity to customize.
4. Use keywords, buzz words and industry terms in your application. Employers search on keywords when looking for people to fill specific positions. You can even use verbiage from the job ad as a model.
5. Create a skills-inventory section even if the application doesn't require it. Many application forms have comments sections for additional information.
6. Insert numbers and statistics if you have them. (Example: Counted five cash drawers daily; responsible for more than $10,000 per eight-hour shift.)
7. Complete all fields—even those that aren't required.
8. Take optional assessment test(s) online, if offered. (One employer recently admitted that applicants who don't take the optional test are automatically screened out.)
9. Apply a simple resume format, if attaching your resume. Fancy bullets and text, tricky indents, italics and bold fonts may not convert well in an electronic application.
10. Spell and grammar check your application before submitting it. Or have another pair of eyes review if you’re not able to check online. This online contact may be the recruiter’s first impression of you.
11. Include a strong objective. Ask a career counselor to help you word your objective.
12. Incorporate a comment section to demonstrate that you've done some research on the company and the industry.
13. Follow up your online application with a personal e-mail to the recruiter. A follow-up phone call is also acceptable, provided the ad does not say, "No phone calls." Be sure your e-mail address is simple and professional, and avoid sending from your current employer’s e-mail address.
14. Utilize quotes from letters of recommendation in your resume, cover letter or e-mail.
15. Faxes are still very acceptable if you don’t have access to a computer or e-mail account. Many of these guidelines also apply to resumes or applications you send by fax.

Follow these simple tips, and you too may join the ranks of successful online applicants who’ve made it through the cyber-clutter and landed the job.