Tips for submitting online job applications

(WJBK) - Applying for jobs used to be a whole lot easier. You would send your resume via postal mail, email or visit a company and fill out an application in person. Now, most companies use an automated system to screen job applicants.There is an art to applying online for jobs and if you start to think like the Applicant Tracking System, you can be successful.

VIDEO: Julie Van Ameyde, owner of Simply Social Media, joins us in this Job Shop segment to tell us how to make friends with the ATS. You can read some of her tips below, too.

Be Ready
Have all of your information in one place. Make sure you have your dates, addresses, and phone numbers on a document. This will make filling out multiple online applications much easier for you. In some cases you can even use copy and paste.

Complete the Application
It is tempting to type "See Resume" but don't do it! Many companies will take you out of the hiring process if you do not fill the entire online application. 

Tailor your Application
Be ready to modify your keywords on your application, resume and cover letter for the particular job that you are applying for. Check out the job description and see if there are any key phrases or keywords you should be inserting into your cover letter and resume. Don't forget to include job specific skillsets.

Keep It Simple
A lot of excellent candidates have very complicated resumes. So in order to get past the ATS, keep the layout simple with standard headings that the computer will understand, such as Education and Experience. You should also make sure to use a text format only when applying online so that you do not confuse the computer and cause an error.

Be Consistent
Make sure your LinkedIn jobs and dates are exactly the same as your resume. Trust me, eventually they will check you out online.

Be Tenacious
Don't just leave your resume to luck. Call the company and ask who the hiring manager is. Reach out to him/her or potential colleagues via LinkedIn. Not on LinkedIn and not sure what their email is? Do a search online, you would be surprised how many people are indexed on Google. In each case, write a short note introducing yourself and why you would be a great fit for the position. 

Julie Van Ameyde is the owner of Simply Social Media. She puts her combined knowledge of social media platforms and best practices as a veteran business owner to work for clients in a myriad of vertical markets, including law, medicine, finance, technology, manufacturing, retail and service-based organizations. In addition, she contributes considerable time and energy to civic outreach programs, as well as community and charity groups. Contact Julie at: 248-773-7110 or julie@simplysocialmediallc.com . Simply Social Media is located in Northville, Michigan a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. www.simplysocialmediallc.com