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Online Job Applications
In general job applications are now entirely digital, from company career portals to specialist graduate job boards and aggregator sites. Most graduate schemes and entry-level roles involve online uploads of CVs, tailored cover letters or completing structured application forms, often screened first by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
But even though you can now search and apply for jobs from anywhere, it's still serious work and you can't afford to be casual. High volumes of applications mean your materials must be flawless from the start – recruiters spend just seconds on initial reviews before ATS filters take over.
Find your PERFECT POSTGRAD PROGRAMTips on online job applications
So, what are the top tips for online job applications? Well, one major bit of advice you should take to heart is to treat your job search like a job. That may sound weird, but set aside time each day to dedicate to your online job applications. Treating it like this will mean you do it regularly, and will have the right mindset. Aim for 1–2 hours daily, tracking applications in a spreadsheet with deadlines and follow-ups.
With that in mind, here are our top suggestions for online job applications:
1. Have a professional looking email address
There is nothing that will send the wrong message quite as quickly as an email coming from 'hilarious' email address you set up when you started uni! If you have to, make a new, professional looking email. You can't go wrong with some variant on [firstname].[lastname]. Use a provider like Gmail or Outlook; avoid uni alumni addresses if you've graduated.
2. Have a good, solid CV but don't be afraid to edit it!
Make sure you spend time preparing your CV before you start sending it off. Many university career services will offer help with preparing one, so don't be afraid to ask. Get friends to look over it too – one problem lots of people have whilst writing their CV is being overly modest, so get someone willing to boost your ego to take a look.
That said, don't just send the same CV for every job. Depending on your experience, some jobs may require more attention on one aspect than other, so be prepared to use your initial CV as a template and edit it to fit the job at hand.
Save as a PDF optimised for ATS (no images/tables) and tailor keywords from the job description.
3. Always write cover letters and never just send a default template
Even if it looks optional to write a graduate cover letter – always send one. Online job applications are hard enough, given the limited ways to make an impression, so a good cover letter can go far. On that note, write one individually for each job. It's fine to have a template to work from, but make it specific. Talk about why you'd suit that specific company, and what you can bring to the table that particularly relates to that job. It'll help sell your skill set, and hopefully make you a memorable applicant.
4. Remember that many online job applications are co-ordinated by agencies
This means that often, your application is going to a recruitment agency rather than the company straight away. This can be both a good and a bad thing. In some cases, it means that it's harder to find out information about the job you're applying to (often, company names aren't listed), but it also means that should the agency like you, you may get contacted for other, similar jobs. This is incredibly useful and may help you cut the time spent hunting down jobs a lot!
5. Use job alerts and job search websites
Now you could just trawl through the hundreds of online job applications out there, or you could be smart and make use of the many search websites and alerts out there.
Top UK sites for graduates include Targetjobs.co.uk, Reed.co.uk, Indeed.co.uk, LinkedIn Jobs and specialist boards like Milkround or Gradcracker (for STEM).] Sites such as Monster, Reed or Total Jobs have a few ways to make your job hunt quicker. Firstly, you can upload your CV and details, and have your profile open to search by potential employers. This means that while you're out job hunting, people may be stumbling upon you! Secondly, you can set up job alerts. This is a regular email (you can have it daily, instantly, or a variety of options) sent to you with the newest jobs available in your location for your skill set.
Refine alerts by keywords like 'graduate scheme' or 'entry level' plus your sector to avoid overload. Finally, make sure you check back regularly – these websites are well known, and many large companies make use of them. The more you check and apply for jobs on here, the better your chances of success.
Postgrad.com has a great selection of Graduate Jobs for you to consider, too.
6. Don't limit yourself to job search websites
Whilst our last point talks about the advantages of using job sites, you shouldn't just be using these. They are useful, but they're not the only place to look. Small, local websites can have gems on them, and many companies will not use recruitment agencies or job sites – they'll just post the jobs on their website. Check company career pages directly (e.g. via Times Top 100 Graduate Employers list) and sector sites like LawCareers.net or Gradcracker. Depending on what you intend to go into, it may be better to skew your search one way or the other.
When it comes to these independent websites, don't be afraid to email or call for more information. For a start, this'll give you a chance to make sure the role is right for you, but it can also show an interest beyond the 'applying for any jobs at all' style candidate.
And don't forget social media is a really useful tool. Follow target companies on LinkedIn/X and engage thoughtfully with their posts to build visibility.
7. Prepare for online assessments
Many applications now include initial psychometric tests, video interviews or coding challenges – practise on sites like GraduatesFirst or AssessmentDay ahead of time.
So, they're our top tips for online job applications. Remember, online job applications are as important as in-person ones, so act professionally, be prepared, and make use of all the resources sitting out there, waiting to be used!
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