Make your application form shine

E-recruitment has given new impetus to the application form because it enables recruiters to capture data in the same format and compare candidates more accurately.

On corporate recruitment websites, businesses most frequently use online forms when recruiting graduates and more junior sales people. Sales managers are still expected to upload a CV; however, as e-recruitment becomes more embedded, online application forms are creeping up the management line.

Dont be fazed if you are asked to fill one in. The big advantage is that you dont have to think about layout and style. Your only concern is getting the information and the words right.

As with a CV you will almost certainly be asked to list your educational qualifications, work experience and other relevant information. This is your first chance to sell your skills and experience by showing that you understand the business and the market in which it operates.

You need to do your homework. Check the corporate website to find out more about the company, its values, financial performance and plans for the future. If its a national business look at the business pages of the national press to see if it gets a mention. Seek out the relevant trade press too a Google search will soon get you there.

Research is especially important if you are changing sectors. It shows that you are serious about the job and able to relate your sales and management experience to the vacancy that needs filling.

There is little spare capacity in an online application form and you need to be succinct and concentrate on your achievements if you want to stand out from the crowd. Employers want to be confident that everyone on the sales team, from director down, can close the sale and meet business targets.

Keep checking the job description as you fill in the form. You want to match the recruiters person specification as closely as possible. An advantage of online recruitment is that recruiters can post more detailed job descriptions than printed advertisements allow.

Good e-recruiters explain at the beginning what the form will be asking for but usually insist an applicant completes a page before moving on. Being unable to read the entire form can be disconcerting but you will be able to go back over the completed form afterwards. Do this check that your dates are right, your spelling accurate and that you are not missing any opportunity to plug your skills and expertise.