Online Job Applications Parma City Schools Adult Education Services

Online Job Applications 4.6 people out of work and applying for every 1 job posting OhioMeansJobs.com Indeed.com Top 3 Job Search Sites:  #1 Career Builder  #2 Monster  #3 Hot Jobs

Applying for Jobs Paper Applications – go prepared (have all information with you – resume passport), do not ask for pen, etc. Proper dress. Online Applications –  Application tracking systems  Use “keywords” in your resume  your resume to a person in the company (Subject: Resume Body: Short Cover Letter)

Online Tracking Systems - keywords Senior Technical Writer  CYNET is seeking an experienced Senior Technical Writer to begin working on a project on Cleveland, OH. Document development work for three major projects. Complete technical system documentation, system and process flows based on business or functional requirements. Work with information based on business or functional requirements. Work with information provided by developers and analysts to obtain additional information. Attend project meetings. Technical report writing ability required. T-SQL and.NET. Strong technical and communication skills. Any telecommunications writing/technical experience helpful but not required.

Guidelines for Completing Applications No two applications are the same Applications have deadlines (computerized system will not allow late applications) Applications have time limits (45 minutes-1 hour to prevent hacking) Fill out everything with an * in the CORRECT FORMAT (ex: mm/dd/yy or mm/dd/yyyy – or phone numbers)

Guidelines for Completing Applications cont’d Be prepared for a test at the end Finish the application (you will receive an stating your application has been received) Use keyword from the job posting in your resume (online tracking systems use keywords to find qualified applicants)

Information you will need (resume passport) 1. Your Contact Information 2. Employment History (5-7 years) 3. Schools attended 4. Military Record 5. References

1. Contact Information Your contact information  Name, home address, home number and cell number ( only cell number is acceptable, must have a professional voic and answer professionally)  address (MUST HAVE ONE – professional name)  Social Security (Why do they ask for this? To prevent multiple applications) Legally cannot do a background check without your signed consent Background checks cost money 80% of employers complete background checks Google yourself  Driver’s License Number  Citizenship Papers

2. Employment History Company names, addresses, and phone numbers Names of your supervisors, job titles, phone numbers/ addresses Your Job titles Salaries – starting and ending Dates of employment (month and year – month and year) Reason for leaving

2.Employment History cont’d Reason for Leaving DO NOT criticize former employers Don’t say terminated or fired (position eliminated) Downsizing (this was not your fault, acceptable to put on application) Rambling = covering something up  “sought new opportunities”  “career advancement”  “job ended”  “lack of financial gain”  “left for a better opportunity”  “too long commute”  “lack of work”  “plant closed” Your fault = lesson learned

3.Education Names and addresses of schools

4. Military Record If applicable

References Must be current and ask permission before you list. Potential References  Former managers/supervisors  Co-workers  Teachers  Volunteer work  Church leaders Pick people who will give POSITIVE feedback about you and your work

References cont’d What should references be able to tell about you?  Dates employed  Position/job title  Description of job duties  Quality of your work/your job skills  Moral character  Attendance/punctuality (are you on time? Do you call off frequently?)  Professionalism (attitude/dress)

The Frustrations of the Online Job Application For every 1 opening, employers receive 100’s of applications (your application may never be looked at, seems unfair) Applications are screened electronically (looking for key words in your application and resume that match job description) The purpose is to screen out applicants  Find out who the hiring manager is, send cover letter and resume via in addition to application  Human resources departments have been cut, they are short staffed They may be checking your online presence (facebook, etc.) You will never know why you did not get hired (you have no control over who else is applying…..manager’s best friend’s son)

Have you been convicted of a crime? Yes, you may eliminate yourself from consideration No, background check will find you out Not all criminal activity viewed equally Leave explanation blank or “will discuss at interview” Do not over - explain

Salary Desired “Negotiable” or

References: Easton, Bonnie. Cuyahoga County Public Library. As presented on 12/2/10 “Online Job Search.”