Apply digitally: clever tips

Digital application is on the rise. Sending the application documents is quick and saves money on paper, folders, and postage. However: Applying digitally – that also has its pitfalls. The medium tempts to make mistakes. One-click and everything is gone – unfortunately including typing errors or missing attachments. Such negligence can enormously endanger the success of the application. Here we show you what to look out for when applying digitally – and how you can easily apply digitally.

Apply digitally: How do you apply today?

Don’t print anything anymore – digital advertising is the trend. Sounds easy. But it is not. For example, today you can only submit an online application to some employers using forms on the Internet. Others explicitly require an email application. Both forms have specific requirements and pitfalls.

The application documents, of course, continue to serve the same purpose as before. You therefore always need the following documents for your digital application:

What do I write in the email for an online application?

A frequent question from applicants: What do I write in the email when applying online? Both email and online applications are digital, but not the same thing. When applying online, you do not need to write an email, as you fill out forms on the company’s own website. Personal details are usually requested here. Depending on the design, you will have to re-enter the stages of your professional life, internships, and skills and/or upload your attachments.

In the case of an email application, on the other hand, you combine all of your documents into a PDF and attach it to your email to the company. Here you have two options on how to proceed with the cover letter. Either you copy the text into your mail, then only the remaining documents are in the attachment. Or you can leave the attachment as part of your overall PDF. Then you should refer to your application separately in the email. It can look like this:

11 tips-how-to-apply-digitally

The problem with online applications in particular: the processes are often so standardized that there is no more room for creativity. Quite a few companies are already doing without cover letters. Applicants must then, for example, summarize their motivation in 300 words in a free text field. Or just upload your résumé and certificates. That makes an individual presentation difficult. To stand out from the competition, we have the following tips:

Apply individually

Avoid mass emailing to companies. Tailor your application individually to the respective position and the company. Mass e-mails are not just a typical source of errors – for example, because people forget to exchange the old company name. HR managers also notice very quickly whether someone has made an effort or not. What may save time with the individual application at the moment, the bottom line is that it costs you more time because your application process takes longer.

Pay attention to completeness

This includes both your complete application documents (see above) and the revision of the content: Do the important keywords appear in your cover letter or résumé? Did you think of the reference number? Before you fill out an online form, you should have all the documents you need.

Consider CV parsing

Once you apply digitally, assume that companies are using CV parsing. CV parsers are programs that can break down digital applications into their semantic components. The software enables all information relevant to the company, such as personal data, skills, and qualifications, to be transferred to a database. However, some CV parsers have difficulties recognizing special characters such as the euro symbol (€). Graphic elements, such as those used in many application templates, can also be critical. For example, if you indicate language skills on your resume with asterisks or bars.

Take screenshots

If you apply digitally, you may come across these free text fields. You do not always have the same space as in a cover letter. Simply copying and pasting the cover letter is not enough. Then you have to shorten it in such a way that the key messages are retained. Use lists and cleverly chosen paragraphs to structure your application clearly. Modern online portals make it easy to scroll back and forth during the application process. However, this does not apply to everyone. To document what you have written and when you should work with screenshots. This will help you to recapitulate the content at a later interview.

Check your online profiles

Applicants who apply digitally often have online profiles on various social media. Professional platforms such as Xing and Linkedin literally invite one-click applications. Before you apply, make sure that these profiles are up-to-date. And last but not least, the information there should match your résumé. If important stations are missing, this raises questions.

Use sensible file names

Some applicants save their files under names without worrying about the recipient. A PDF file, which is simply called Application_Neu.pdf or Application_Firma_Schneider.pdf, makes it difficult for the HR manager to assign them correctly. Better name your attachment like this: Application_Max_Mustermann.pdf. Alternatively, you can use the correct designation for the advertised position and add your name, for example, Meike_Musterfrau_Key_Account_Manager.pdf. This makes it easier to allocate, especially in larger companies that often have several positions advertised.

Compress the files

The scope of your application, but also images and graphic elements, can increase the file size enormously. Ideally, your digital application is no larger than 5 MB. If you have to upload individual documents to an online portal, a file should not be larger than 1 MB. In the case of online applications, either the upload is not possible or the form cannot be saved. Attachments that are too large in e-mail applications are also problematic because they either cannot be sent or easily end up in the recipient’s spam folder. Information about the maximum size can usually be found on the company’s careers page (for example, under “Application information”) or you can inquire about it by telephone.

Sign your application

Even if you apply digitally, your signature should not be missing on your résumé. You confirm that your information is correct. For a digital signature, you either sign on a piece of paper and scan it in or take a photo with your smartphone. Then paste it into your word processing program. There you should also make sure that your inserted picture has the same color as the letter – otherwise, you have to edit here.

Have proofread

Even if you apply digitally, you should have someone else proofread your application documents beforehand! Four eyes simply see more. Since you already know what you have written and want to express it, you will not even notice shifted letters and other mistakes. Another important tip: print out your application for yourself. It is easier to spot errors on printed paper than on a monitor. You should also take your application documents with you to an interview anyway. In this way you can visualize your strengths again and, if necessary, hand them over to the HR manager, provided that he does not have the application in front of him (which happens now and then).

Check your spam filter

You should receive an electronic confirmation of receipt of your digital application after a short time. It is also an indication for you that you have filled in everything correctly. Such confirmation emails usually contain further information, for example, that applicants may refrain from further inquiries during the application process. Or that the company will approach the applicant again shortly. In order not to miss such notifications (and possible invitations to an interview), you should regularly check your spam filter.