1. Applying On-line Reference Sheet
Must have a valid e-mail address/account
o In order to complete any on-line application, you must possess a valid e-mail
address/account.
o You can easily obtain a free e-mail account by visiting one of the following websites:
gmail.com
yahoo.com
hotmail.com
o If you do not have a personal computer at home, please go to your local public library
as all public libraries offer computer and internet access.
o Make sure your personal e-mail address is appropriate for business purposes.
jocelyn.smith@xyz.com is certainly appropriate, but ladiesman10@xyz.com would be
out of the question
o If you only have a work related e-mail account, create a personal one and use that e-
mail address when applying for jobs.
Completing the application itself
o Read all application directions carefully.
o Be careful to enter the correct data in the correct field.
o Complete all fields.
o If possible, spell check and grammar check your application before submitting it.
If there is no spell check functionality, copy and paste parts of your application into a
Word document to ensure correct spelling and grammar.
Important to have an error-free application because it serves as the employer’s first
impression of you.
Tailoring your resume for the on-line application
o Tailor your application information as well as your resume to the specific position you’re
applying for.
o Thoroughly review the requirements and responsibilities of the job description and make
sure to touch upon those items in your resume.
o Helpful to incorporate keywords into your resume.
o How do you figure out what these magic keywords are?
In a vast majority of cases, keywords are nouns.
Though job seekers have long been taught to emphasize action verbs in their job search
correspondence, the "what" that you performed the action in relation to is now just as
important.
In the following example, the underlined and bolded nouns are the keywords that relate
to the action indicated by the verbs:
- Conducted cross-functional management for initial and follow-up contact.
- Coordinated marketing campaigns and special events.
- Managed customer database, product updates, and upgrades.
- Functioned in project-management role.
- Oversaw procurement, allocation, distribution control, stock levels, and cost
compilation/analysis.

2. Keywords can be precise "hard" skills:
- job or industry specific skills
- descriptions of technical expertise (including hardware and software in which you
are proficient)
- job titles
- certifications
- industry buzzwords
- types of degrees
- names of colleges
- company names
- terms that tend to impress, such as "Fortune 500”
- awards/accolades you've received
- names of professional organizations to which you belong
Uploading your resume to the on-line application
o In many cases, you will be asked to upload your resume to your on-line application.
o Often times, you have the option of copying and pasting your resume or attaching it.
o If you have the option of attaching your resume, choose this over copying and pasting.
The reason being that when copying and pasting, you run into the risk of losing the
original formatting of your resume.
o For best results when uploading your resume, keep the format of your resume simple.
Following up on your electronic resume
o If a Recruiter’s e-mail is made available on the job posting, send a personal e-mail to
the Recruiter expressing your interest in the position and why you feel you’re qualified.
o Would be appropriate to attach a cover letter to this e-mail if you didn’t include one in
your on-line application.