Q: Why do I need to fill out all sections of an online application, if I am attaching my resume?
A: This is a very common question, and there are a variety of reasons why filling out all of the requested information is critical.
If your prospective employer asks you to fill out an online application form, and you decide to type “see attached resume” into the boxes instead (or leave them completely blank), you are demonstrating to the employer that you are unable (or unwilling) to follow simple instructions. This can be a red flag for many employers, and can be enough reason to have them disregard your application altogether.
Many online applications use something called ATS – Applicant Tracking Systems – which basically comb through all of your information, looking for key words and phrases relevant to the job and to the employer. If information is missing, or your resume is not in an easily read format, you may lose “points” because of missing words or phrases. In short, it is often a computer – and not a person – first reviewing your application and determining if it moves on to the next stage of review. Sometimes, the ATS system does not look at the attached resume for key words, but looks at the fillable “boxes” in the online application for these phrases. Simply using “see attached resume” in these boxes will not result in your resume being reviewed.
In addition, some online application systems create a summary of your application that is reviewed by HR professionals, and it contains data from their fillable online form – not necessarily from your resume – so this summary can unfortunately be very short, and not reflect all of your experience, if you neglect to complete all of the required information.
It should also be noted that while your resume contains most of the details required in an online application, your resume does not have an attestation that all of the information contained therein is true to the best of your knowledge. Conversely, online applications will usually ask you to complete such an attestation at the end of an application, stating that all information you have entered into the application is true.
It is extremely important to follow all directions for online applications to give yourself the best possible chance at getting an interview. It would be a shame indeed to miss out on your dream job because you wanted to cut a few corners in the online application system.
If you require more assistance with online applications, or any assistance related to job search, please feel free to reach out to me at: eberry@jhs-niagara.ca
