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Online Recruitment

Applying for jobs online is becoming more popular not only with big multi-national companies but increasingly with smaller organisations.

The basic rules of applying for a job still stand – a job advert to read and an application form to complete or a request for you to send a CV. The process of online recruiting widens the access and makes the whole process quicker.

There are three main areas of online recruitment:

The job site

This is the equivalent to the ‘jobs’ section of a local or national newspaper. However, there are often many more jobs and some sites offer vacancies globally. If you see a vacancy that interests you on one of these sites, you will usually be asked to send your CV, via the internet, or to fill in an online application form. Before you send in your CV make sure that it is an established site that you are using.

The corporate site

This is a website produced by a company about itself so it will be a good source of information about the organisation. Many companies that list vacancies on their websites ask you leave your details so that they can email you back if they are interested in taking matters further.

The database site

This is one of the fastest growing types of online recruitment and is run by bigger internet-based recruiters. Candidates visiting these sites are asked to complete an extensive online questionnaire that builds a profile of their skills – this is then matched against employers' requirements.

Tips for online recruitment

• Take the same amount of time and care filling in forms. Find out as much as you can about the job and the employer so that you can effectively match your skills.
• Pay attention to all instructions and make a note of any passwords or confirmation numbers that you may need at a later date.
• If you can download the form and print it out then do so – this gives you a chance to practice on draft copies.
• Follow the usual rules of layout for a CV.
• If you are sending an application form using email, make sure that your email address is suitable for employers to see. Some companies have a policy of automatically rejecting emails that contain certain words.
• Ask a friend, relative or careers adviser to read through the application before you submit it.
• Only apply for a job if you are interested in it and you believe that you meet all the qualifications. It will only lead to disappointment otherwise.
• If you apply for a job using your email remember to keep a copy, either in your sent box or in paper format.