In an increasingly IT literate society, where 'search engines' are fast replacing more traditional sources of reference, it is inevitable that recruiters will look more to technology and the internet in their quest for improved recruitment efficiency. Despite the fact that recruitment will always remain a 'people business', the trend towards e-recruitment presents a wealth of benefits to recruiters, employers and candidates alike. This article is for the benefit of the candidate and was written as a practical guide to ensure that you gain maximum advantage in your online job search activities. Take heed of the following advice, apply a strong dose of quality and make your e-applications shine.

Consider your audience

Vacancies that are posted on the internet are on the whole posted there by specialist recruitment agencies, who make their living by filtering out the most suitable and qualified candidates, on behalf of their client companies i.e. your future employer.

These agencies are paid on the basis of results and are highly skilled at identifying the best candidates. Your application via an online jobs board such as www.JobsPharm.com may be your only opportunity to make a first impression. Just as you should invest in a professional curriculum vitae, anything less than a well considered and professional online application is potentially, a wasted opportunity.

Do not sell your self short with a poorly thought out, unfocused and unprofessional online application. If you do not heed this advice, your applications will likely be rejected. When you apply online, all the recruitment agency can judge you by is what you have written about yourself. To read more about how to stack the odds in your favour when working with recruitment agencies, please read our article on 'managing recruitment agencies. [click here].

Your online CV

This document is as important as your paper based curriculum vitae. When completing it, take your time, measure every word and ensure that what you write presents you in a professional way. For some basic advice on perfecting your curriculum vitae please [click here].

Spelling

Most jobs boards make it easy to register your details and via a few forms and clicks, a version of your CV is online. Because this process is so easy, there is a tendancy to forget the importance of good grammar and spelling. An application or CV that is littered with such poor attention to detail will be rejected. Do not rush your online applications and ensure that you have used 100% good grammar, with no spelling mistakes.

Geographical location

Most jobs boards prompt you to select the geographical location of your choice. Ensure that there is a focus in your choice of geographical locations. Candidates who indicate that they are willing to work anywhere from Virginia to Ireland, may be considered to have no focus. Consider very carefully where you would ideally wish to work and select geographical locations accordingly.

Job alerts, candidate matching and jobs by e-mail

Jobs boards and their associated technology can allow an agency to auto-match your stated job preferences against existing and new vacancies. It is recommended that you select only those job descriptions that you are qualified to consider. If you are a Trainee (Graduate or otherwise), there is no point applying for Managerial vacancies. If you do not understand all of the positions that exist, seek advice before applying. Poorly thought out job-description selections can demonstrate lack of focus or that you do not understand what you are applying for. In general, we would suggest that you select no more than five potential job descriptions and that the ones that you do select are of a similar status.

Skills & Achievements

As with any paper-based application form, you will normally be presented with an option to highlight your skills and achievements. Such sections should be carefully considered and should contain information that demonstrates that your past experiences and successes, qualify you for the positions that you are applying for. Likewise, how you complete this section is an indication that you understand what the role requires and its essential competencies.

To understand more about this important subject our article on Competency based interviews will help [click here].

Experience & value to an employer

In curriculum vitae terms, this type of section is your profile and should be completed with great care. This is often the only section that a recruitment consultant will initially scan. If it fails to capture their interest, they will read no further and your application has been a wasted exercise. When completing this section, you are in effect offering a focused summary of what you have to offer. Be specific. Use words that describe you and paint a positive picture of you. Reference those key achievements that stand you out from the crowd. If you are a trainee, seek advice on transferable skills and how to best present your experiences in a way that demonstrates that you have the required competencies.

You may also wish to consider a few sentences about your goals and aspirations. Include a summary of the type of job you are looking for, along with reference to your preferred location. If you are geographically flexible and willing to relocate, mention this here.

Qualifications & Training

Here you should list your academic record, with your highest qualification first. As well as this, consider other types of training that might support your application and stand you out from the crowd.

Personal Details

Ensure that you complete 'personal details' sections as fully as possible. It is of vital importance that you consider how you will be contacted. What does your e-mail address say about you. An email address of daffyduck@hotmail.com may not present the best impression. You may wish to consider a new email address. We would recommend the Pharm-mail service, where you can register for a professional, industry specific e-mail of you@pharm.co.uk. This alone might give you an edge. Pharm-mail can be accessed via the following link: [click here]

Also consider the answer phone message of your mobile phone. Is it professional? What does it say about you? Listen to your own answer phone message through the eyes of a potential employer. If it fails to present a positive impression - record one that does.

Employment History

Most jobs boards will prompt you to complete your most recent employment details. Ensure that you draw attention to those aspects of your current employment that demonstrate your suitability for the positions that you wish to apply for. Perhaps include reference to any key achievements that further demonstrate your qualification. A knowledge of key competencies will help you complete this section [click here].

You may also have the opportunity to complete your full employment history. It is highly recommend that you do this, as a failure to do so may be translated as a reluctance to share this information. Pay attention to every past employment that you include, ensuring that you reference key skills, responsibilities and achievements. Also check that dates are correct and in order.

Applications from overseas

Applying for vacancies in UK, if you do not yet live in the UK is 99% of the time, a wasted effort and will only serve to irritate the agency that you are applying to. In most cases, a face to face interview would be required and unless you are able to fulfil this basic need, you would be well advised not to apply via a country specific jobs board.

Mass applications from overseas candidates are common place, where every available vacancy is applied for, without any thought or consideration. This is a totally wasted exercise. If you have adopted this approach - stop. You would be better advised to send one well written e-mail to an agency of your choice, explaining your intentions and asking their advice.

A list of UK recruitment agencies can be found on the following page [click here].

Trainees

If you are trying to break into medical sales for the first time, research the role before applying. This is effective use of your time and will greatly increase your chances of success. You will find a wealth of resources at:
www.AllAboutMedicalSales.com/graduates/

Think carefully before you apply

Decide where you wish to work and which roles you are qualified for. Having determined this, ensure that you maintain focus when applying for positions. As you are using a jobs-board such as www.JobsPharm.com system, keep a careful note of the agencies to which you are applying and only apply for those select vacancies that meet your criteria. A shot gun approach does not work and will result is your CV being rejected.

Consider this from the recruitment consultants perspective - how many times do they want to receive the same CV?

Follow Up

When you apply for positions online, a record is normally maintained within your account. With the more highly specified jobs-boards, you should be able to check the progress of these applications at any time.

This is another chance to stand out from the crowd by implementing a professional follow-up. Sitting back and waiting for a response may result in nothing. Wait at least two working days and then, if you have not had a response, you may wish to consider contacting the agency by telephone or by e-mail. In both cases, be sure to communicate which jobs-board you used, along with details of the vacancy that you have applied for. This is your opportunity to further sell yourself and may be the ingredient that is required to gain you an all important face-to-face interview.

Online e-recruitment websites are an excellent resource, but, cannot do everything for you. Take action - Follow-up and stand out from the crowd. Be prepared to ask for an interview.