Applying for graduate jobs by e-mail or over the internet has become popular among employers because it is a quick and efficient method of recruiting.

However, it also requires different techniques to traditional job applications. Here’s how to make your online job application jump off the screen.

Registering to make an application

If you are asked to complete an online job-application form, you will almost certainly have to register first. You should be prepared to give some personal details and may also have to answer a few basic questions about your interest in the job before you get to the real application form.

Take your time when completing on online job-application form. The process might be unfamiliar so read all of the instructions given to you before you submit any details.

Using the right language

Although the internet is a largely informal means of communication, be sure to take the same care over an online job application as you would over a paper application form.

If you can, print out the job-application form and fill in a draft copy before you submit it. As online forms may have no word limit, this can help you make sure that your answers are not too long.

Follow the same guidelines as for paper job applications, ensuring you write in complete sentences, with good grammar and spelling.

E-mail job applications

Sometimes you will be asked to send your CV and a covering letter by e-mail. This is a convenient way to apply for jobs, but there are still rules to follow.

The body of the e-mail is your covering letter. Include the same information as you would with a traditional covering letter, but instead of saying 'enclosed is a copy of my CV', you can say 'attached is a copy of my CV'.

Write in proper sentences and structure it as you would a formal letter, although there is no need to include all the address details. Simply begin with ’Dear…’ and sign off appropriately (’Yours sincerely’ if you know the name of the recruiter, ’Yours faithfully’ if you don’t).

Images and fonts on electronic CVs

Don’t use images on your CV. A picture or graphic may make your CV look attractive, but they can easily become corrupted by e-mail.

Likewise, a CV made using a non-standard font may not display correctly on another user’s computer. If you are determined to use an uncommon font, convert your Word document to PDF before attaching it.

Virus warning!

Most employers will accept CVs as attachments. However, attachments can be a frequent source of viruses so you may be asked to send your CV as text in the main body of the e-mail. If this is the case, you may lose any formatting (bold text, underlining, tab spaces, etc). Make sure that your CV is readable and tidy without these.

If in doubt, check with the employer how they would prefer to receive job applications.

Save a copy for the future

As with paper job applications, don’t forget to save a copy of the e-mail / online form for future reference. It will give you a starting point for future job applications and you will be able to refer to it if you are invited for a job interview.

Key tips

• Don’t forget to attach your CV and covering letter to your e-mail – it’s an easy mistake to make but it doesn’t look professional.
• Check your spelling and punctuation are correct before you submit your online job application.