By Joyce LeMay, SPHR 

Online application systems are here to stay, whether we like it or not!  The
best thing we can do is figure out how to work with the systems instead of
against them.  Applicants have told me that they have been so frustrated
with an online system that they decided not to apply for a particular job.
Although I can relate with the frustration, I don't recommend giving up
because you can lose out on a potential great opportunity.   

Tips for Your Tool Box

There are some tips to help reduce your frustration and increase the
effectiveness of an online application system.  First, be sure you
understand the system and what it is asking of you. Many systems want you
to cut and paste the information into their format. Others might allow you
to attach a document in your format. Once you use a few systems you will
feel more comfortable with the technology.  If you aren't comfortable then
find a friend or mentor who can help you walk through the process.  Second,
know where the information is being sent. You should send your information
to a particular company not a "blind" box.  You have no way of following up
if you don't know where you are sending the information.  Feel free to call
the company to gain more information about how their online application
system works.  Although they will require you use their system, at least you
will learn more about how it works and you will have made a contact within
the organization. Third, when at all possible, try to get the name and
contact information of the hiring manager. You should contact that person
and let him or her know that you have submitted your information via the
online system.  Many hiring managers still want to receive a resume and
cover letter to review even though they have to work with the corporate
online system. 

Don't Give Up!

The bottom line is that you shouldn't give up. Technology is a standard in
the hiring process and will continue to be used. Take the initiative to
learn about the technology, and the hiring process, at every organization
where you apply for a job. This increased knowledge can give you the
competitive advantage!
 

Joyce LeMay, SPHR, MBA, is an Associate Professor in the Business & Economic
Department at Bethel University.  She has over 20 years of Human Resource
and Management experience. She can be contacted at jlemay@bethel.edu.
 

Client Comments

"Through my work with Joan, I've created a leadership development action plan and have made significant progress in three key areas- communication, time
management, and delegation. I'm learning the tools necessary to be the best
leader I can be, and as a result, I'm much more confident in my role as CFO."

                                         - Kim Kusilek

New Service - Leadership Coaching

I'm so excited to now be offering leadership coaching. What exactly is leadership coaching? In a nut shell, it is a personal development process designed to enhance a leader's success in achieving his or her professional objectives within the context of any organization's business goals.

An individual can use a leadership coach to improve the following areas:

•      Work performance

•      Work relationships

•      Conflict management

•      Change management

•      Time management

•      Stress management

•      Delegation

The benefits of leadership coaching for the individual, include:

• Improved relationships with direct reports, clients, and peers

• A deeper understanding of your strengths and developmental needs

• Maximized strengths; less stress

• Skills to anticipate problems & proactively work to overcome them

• Higher job satisfaction and engagement by those under your leadership

• Improved decision-making

Check out our new Career & Leadership Blog at: www.pathwayscareer.com

 

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