Online Job Applications

Within this section we have highlighted the key areas that we feel you should take into consideration when completing your online application.

The two important things to check are:

1. Is there a feature which allows you to save your application and return to it at a later stage or do you have to complete it all at once?
2. Will you be automatically logged out if you’re away from the computer for a certain amount of time? This is very important as you could lose all your answers and have to start the application again.

Below we have comprised a list of things to consider when completing your online/electronic application.

• An online application is just as formal and important as a written application. Make sure you use appropriate language and grammar, as you would with a written application.
• Make sure you complete all the boxes marked with an asterix (*). These questions are mandatory questions and must be answered. Most online forms won’t let you move on to the next question/page if any of the boxes marked with an asterix have been missed or left blank.
• Be aware of boxes with character limitations. Some online forms have a limit to the number of words you can type in them and some will let you carry on typing past the limit but will only save information as far as the word limit. Keep an eye on the number of characters you have left (this is usually displayed beside or below the box) and if you go over the limit, try to re-word what you’ve written to make it shorter.
• Ensure what you have written corresponds to the question asked. Applicants often answer a question without understanding what is required. They often provide information that they think the employer would like to hear rather than what the employer does want to hear.
• Read back what you have written in each box before you click ‘Next’ or ‘Save’. A common mistake found on applications is that people do not recheck what they have written and move on to the next question without realising there are spelling mistakes or that something doesn’t make sense! To double-check the accuracy, copy and paste what you’ve written into Word and run 'Spell Check' to highlight any errors.
• Remember to be honest and professional with your answers. You may be asked some personality-based questions on the application, about things such as your likes/dislikes or your strengths and weaknesses.
• Have a copy of your CV to hand when completing an online application. This will make it easier to refer to your employment history, job descriptions, qualification details, etc.