Applying Online: Tips

Before you go online:
Have a pencil and paper ready to jot down account usernames and passwords

1. Know how to cut and paste
2. Know how to use the Internet
3. Have an email account
4. Have your resume and cover letter saved electronically
5. Have three versions of the your resume saved electronically: an internet-ready resume, a traditional resume, and an email version (optional)

 While online:

1. Find the web site you need
2. Find the web page you need
3. Find the job you are applying for
4. Write down username and password carefully
5. Read and follow all instructions carefully

 After you apply online:

1. Keep track of where you have applied and for what position
2. Keep usernames and passwords safe in case you have to return to the site

 Be aware of the following factors as you apply for jobs online:

 You are providing personal and private information.  Make sure the application web page is secure.

• Every company web site is different. It can be a challenge just to find the career opportunities section of the web site. Once you find the career page you usually have to search for a position, and then apply for it. 
• Some companies make their job listings available in Spanish, but not the application.
• Some of the applications have time limits. Plan your time accordingly.
• Beware of fraudulent sites and jobs. Just as there are scams on TV, on the phone, in the newspapers, there are scams online also.
• Some companies require a personality test be taken online, as well as the application.
• Computer problems may interfere with your success. Try again.
• The process of applying for jobs online is impersonal. It is frustrating, but a reality of 21st century job hunting. You’ll get plenty of personal connection when you do your networking.  

Application web pages for local companies:

UPS
Wal-Mart
Subway
Stop and Shop
St. Francis Hospital
Hartford Hospital
City of Hartford
Ocean State Job Lot
Whole Foods
West Farms Mall
Dunkin Donuts
 

Resume Writing: Tips

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I really need a resume? 

All employers, in all industries, and at all levels, expect you to have a resume and cover letter for every position that you are interested in. A resume and a cover letter are key marketing tools whose purpose is to get you an interview.

What format should I use?

There are three types of resume formats:

1. chronological (most recent job is listed first)
2. functional (emphasizes experience and accomplishments in order of strongest first
3. combination (skills and accomplishments are listed in the top half, but also includes job history in reverse chronological order).

To help you decide which is best for you, click here and here to read more. 

What are the most important parts of a resume?

Your complete and accurate contact information is obviously important. The top half of the first page of the resume is the only section that the employer may actually read. Therefore it should contain a list of your strongest skills and qualifications. The effective use of keywords describing your skills and qualifications is critical as employers are programming scanners to catch particular keywords from resumes that match the job opening. If it does not detect these words your resume will not be considered a match. Click here and here to read more.

What is an Internet-ready resume? 

 It is best to have three versions of your resume:

1. Traditional (includes formatting)
2. Internet-ready (plain-text, all formatting removed)
3. Email version (plain-text, with limited line length)

The reason is because more employers are using optical scanners to “read” resumes. These machines cannot read formatted text. Also many employers require you to paste your resume in an email message or a box in an online application. Click on the following resource links to read more: Resource Link 1, Resource Link 2, Resource Link 3, Resource Link 4, Resource Link 5, Resource Link 6 and Resource Link 7

Cover Letters:

Cover Letter Tutorial
Creating Great Cover Letters Course

Resumes:

Resume Tutorial
Creating a Great Resume Course

Resume Samples:

http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/coversamples.htm (cover letters)
http://susanireland.com/coverletters/index.html (cover letters)
http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/clet-ex.php (cover letters)
http://susanireland.com/resumeindex.htm
http://www.deed.state.mn.us/cjs/cjsbook/resume5.htm
http://www.resumetemplates.org/
http://www.bestsampleresume.com
http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_resumes.html
http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/samples.php
http://www.jobsniper.com/php/resume_samples.php?c=0cc22a

Resume Worksheets:

http://www.quintcareers.com/job-seeker_worksheets.html
http://www.quintcareers.com/resume_critique_worksheet.html

Resume Resources:

University of Wisconsin-River Falls Resume Builder
Online Resume Writing Workshop by Susan Ireland
Quintessential Careers Resume Resources for Job-Seekers
The Scoop on Resume Length: How Many Pages Should Your Resume Be?
How to Handle a Gap in Your Job History
Job Star Central Resume Tips and Resources
Quizzes
Resumes365.com (creates a web resume)
Blog for Tips on Resumes and Cover Letters
Action Words by CDM Career Zone
Resume Tips for Bilingual Latinos
Ask the ResumeDoctor Weekly Column
Free Resume Evaluation
Resume Posting by Jumpstart
Books, DVDs, Web Links, and Programs at the Hartford Public Library

Employment Applications and Testing:

Employment Applications Do’s and Don’ts
Criminal Record
Substance Abuse Testing