A guide to navigating the online job application process
There’s no doubt that the job-hunting process has changed significantly over time, from finding job posts on local community boards, to searching the classifieds in newspapers and finally moving the job search to online.
In fact, the internet has become the primary resource for job seekers and has been lauded as one of the most effective ways to find a job – however, while it is resourceful, the internet also brings its own challenges to the job search process.
In observance of Safer Internet Day, which falls on 5 February this year, Microsoft conducted the 2019 Civility, Safety & Interaction Online survey which found that 66 percent of people globally have – or know of someone who has – been exposed to online risk. This could be in the form of bullying, sexual imagery and messages or unwanted contact with unknown individuals.
One of the biggest forms of online risk was hoaxes, scams and fraud led by false or misleading information. This is one very common issue with the online job search market. For example, not all job sites are trustworthy. Additionally, there are so many job search sites from which to choose that it’s likely some of them wouldn’t be the right fit for the job you’re looking for or the skills you have.
As more graduates look to the internet to find a job that will introduce them to the world of work, they need to take precaution against these and other potential threats lingering online.
Here are a few ways you can protect yourself:
- Recognising a scam
Fake jobs are a common feature on the internet and sometimes, they even make their way onto legitimate websites. When applying for a job online you are usually required to provide sensitive information which can put you at risk. It’s imperative that graduates (and all jobseekers in general) learn how to avoid these scams.
To do this, job seekers should never take any job post at face value and should pay attention to details such as unusually high pay for an entry level job, attention grabbing headings that include exclamation points and a vague description of the job requirements.
Another common scam is the requirement to pay to apply for the job. These have traditionally left job-hopefuls out of pocket and nowhere closer to getting a job. If you are required to make any form of payment, it’s always best to do further research on the company you are applying to first, to see if there have been any complaints or other people scammed out of money.
- Beware of excess options
There is a plethora of websites available to assist jobseekers in finding employment, but instead of making use of as many of these as possible, graduates should rather curate a few well-suited sites for their search.
Think about your dream job and the skills that are needed to be successful in this job. Then do a little research around what websites recruiters most likely use to look for potential employees in your chosen profession, then match your skills and the job you are looking for with these websites.
For example, if you’re looking for a role in IT, you should probably think about using a job search website that specialises in finding IT and tech professionals. Alternatively, you could apply directly via the websites of IT companies in your area. This can help you avoid frustration and wasting long stretches of time searching through thousands of irrelevant job vacancies.
Additionally, using filters on legitimate but general job search sites can help to remove jobs you’re not interested in.
- Recruitment agencies
Registering online with industry-specific recruitment agencies can also help narrow your search because the agency can help match your skills to any upcoming positions.
Recruitment agencies can also assist with project sourcing, where the agency would find medium-to-long-term projects for you to work on within your chosen industry. This is beneficial as more graduates look to work for themselves. In fact, according to the Silicon Republic, the majority of jobs in the future will be held by freelancers.
- Think outside the box
With the increased access and connectivity that the internet brings to the practice of job hunting also comes a wider pool of competitors vying for the same available positions.
This means that you need to make sure you stand out from the crowd. This can be done by highlighting your relevant skills in your application and ensuring they are beneficial to each specific position you are applying for.
Think of skills you’ve attained outside the classroom that could be beneficial to the job you are applying for, and mention them. This will not only show your critical thinking abilities but will also set you apart from the pack.
