From resumes to internet connections: A step-by-step guide to applying for jobs in the digital age

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Searching for a new job can be stressful. From looking for jobs you are interested in and qualified for, writing countless cover letters and preparing for an interview with an intimidating manager, the entire process of acquiring a job can be exhausting and time-consuming. 

For many, job-searching can feel like a part-time job that you have to manage on top of your current job, course work or family obligations. The worst part? You could spend all this time perfecting an application and never hear anything back. 

Although no one is immune to rejection or ghosting, there are things you can do to make your chances of scoring an interview and receiving a job offer much higher.

Here is everything you need to know for each stage of the job-searching process, and how to ensure you are fully equipped for the digital job search.

How do I stand out on my resume?

Writing a resume that shows off your skills and qualifications in a concise manner is its own art form that often takes multiple drafts to nail. Here are some of the most important resume tips you should follow:

• Include keywords – When you are searching for jobs online, note the keywords the job listing includes in their requirements section. Use those words throughout your resume so that you stand out quickly as a qualified candidate
• Update your resume for different jobs – A resume is not one-size-fits-all. When you are applying for a job, make sure your resume best represents your qualifications for that particular job. You might want to change the order of your sections, use different wording to highlight a different skill or even swap out information for more relevant past experiences. If you are applying for a few different job industries, you may want to create a separate resume for each industry. Then, build off whatever resume is most relevant for the current job you are applying for
• Use active verbs – Start each sentence of your resume with a verb that demonstrates your action best. For instance, instead of saying “worked as a mentor,” say “mentored” at the beginning of your sentence. Verbs like “create, lead, initiate, produce, organize, orchestrate and teach” are good examples of active verbs
• Follow standard formatting guidelines – Your resume should be no more than one page and easy to read. Additionally, each section should be in chronological order with your most recent experience at the top of the section. Put your most important sections at the top. Common sections include education, skills/achievements and work experience

If you are in college or high school you may include relevant coursework, internships and academic achievements.

If you’re struggling with starting your resume, it’s helpful to use a template, like MyPerfectResume or Resume Now. These are free templates that can give you a general outline, making it easier to fill in as you move through your sections.

AI resume screening

AI resume screening uses artificial intelligence technology to screen and filter candidates’ resumes. Its main goal is to identify the highest quality candidates quickly and efficiently.

This can take the form of screening for specific keywords and phrases, analyzing numerical data or even analyzing the meaning of the text on a resume beyond keywords. Recruiters may use AI resume screening to filter out unqualified candidates quickly so they can prioritize the best candidates based on specific criteria. AI screening may also be used to reduce bias in the initial resume screening process.

To tailor your resume for AI screening, focus on keywords and formatting. Use a standard format without complex graphics, images or tables. Ensure your contact info is easy to find and use a standard font. Incorporate keywords from the job description throughout your resume, but be wary of using too many — just make it natural. Emphasize your accomplishments and always make sure your resume is readable by both humans and machines.

Some companies and employers offer candidates the option to opt out of AI resume screening, but it’s important to remember that more and more companies are using this method in the recruitment process, so opting out could limit your access to job opportunities.

What should I say in my cover letter?

Although not always, most jobs also require you to write a cover letter. Keep these tips in mind when you are writing your letters:

• Don’t be afraid to brag about yourself – Your cover letter is the time to dive deeper into the main ways your skills and experience would benefit the company. Give anecdotal examples of your unique abilities and always tie these examples back to how they would specifically serve the company you are applying to
• Show your understanding of the company – Although your main focus of a cover letter is to showcase your qualifications, also make sure you explain why you want to work specifically for that company. In the first paragraph, provide a sentence or two explaining what you think the company does better than anyone else. Do your research here! A deep level of understanding of the company can really help you distinguish yourself
• Don’t submit a generic cover letter – Your first and last paragraphs should be almost entirely personalized to a specific company. In the middle paragraphs, you can recycle examples of your qualifications and experiences. Just make sure your examples are relevant to the position you are applying for. A helpful tip is every time you write a new section about your qualifications, add the generic parts of the paragraph (everything except what is tailored to a specific company) into a separate document so that you have all of your examples in one place, making it easy to pull from for future cover letters
• Address the letter to a specific person, if you can – To make your cover letter more personal and show you did your research, try to find out who reads the applications and address it to that person. Often the company will tell you how to address the letter in the job posting, so make sure you don’t miss that. If you can’t find a person to address the letter to, say “To whom it may concern” 
• Follow standard formatting guidelines – Just like your resume, you will want to keep your cover letter under one page. Cover letters are typically three to five paragraphs, depending on the length of each paragraph. Your cover letter should take a business-like tone and should be written in complete sentences with no slang, emoticons or acronyms

How do I find jobs?

The best way to find jobs is to search for them on career websites. The best websites include:

• Indeed – For finding the most number of jobs listed
• LinkedIn – For finding jobs where you have connections and for providing helpful job filters
• Recruiter.com – For employers and recruiters
• Wellfound – For finding startup listings
• LinkUp – Good for finding up-to-date listings

Tips for online job hunting

Job hunting in today’s digital world relies on online job platforms. While navigating these platforms may seem daunting, here are a few tips from LinkedIn to make the most out of your online search.

• Optimize your profile – You can improve your visibility to recruiters and find the right job for you by optimizing your profile. Ensure your profile is complete and add keywords relevant to your desired industry or role. Add your skills and any endorsements or recommendations, if applicable
• Network – Connect with people who are working in your industry, and reach out to them. You can schedule Zoom interviews or phone calls with your contacts to ask them about their experiences and if they have any advice
• Follow companies – Follow companies you’re interested in to stay current on hiring practices or job openings
• Reach out to recruiters – Connect with recruiters working in your industry
• Use platform features – Leverage LinkedIn’s job search features to find roles tailored to your experience. Include as many filters as you can when looking for a job, including location, experience level and job type (internship, part-time, full-time)

How should I prepare for my interview?

Zoom interviews have become an increasingly common part of the job search process. While some companies are transitioning back to in-person working environments, many jobs are still fully remote or hybrid, meaning employees go into the office for a portion of the work week and work the remaining days at home.

Applying for a fully remote job will likely entail a video chat interview, but a hybrid job could require you to meet with someone in person — it all depends on the company. Although an online interview itself is no different online than it is in person, there are some additional elements you should keep in mind.

How to have a successful Zoom interview

• Choose a professional background – Be cognizant of what is in the background during your Zoom call. You will want to avoid any distracting images or movement in the background. This means keeping your background as generic as possible. Additionally, make sure any part of the room that appears on your screen is tidy and organized. You don’t want your interviewer to be distracted by your unmade bed or clothes on the ground!
• Limit background noises – Although construction and outside noises are out of your control, try to prevent as many background noises as you can. It is often helpful to warn the people around you that you will be in an interview and to silence your cellphone and turn off all notifications on your computer
• Charge your computer – The last thing you want is to be in the middle of an interview and your computer dies on you. Have your charger plugged into your computer during the interview, if possible
• Find a good internet connection – In order to avoid any glitching or freezing during your Zoom call, make sure you have a strong internet connection. You will want anywhere between 225 to 670 Kbps for a Zoom call. If your internet plan has data caps, be aware that an hour-long Zoom call will use 810 MB to 2.4 GB of data

General interview tips 

Regardless of whether you are meeting in person or over a Zoom call, you will want to keep in mind the following tips:

• Be professional – This includes wearing professional attire, using appropriate body language, smiling and arriving on time to the interview
• Prepare your answers ahead of time – Not only should you prepare your answers to common interview questions, but you should also do some research and find out what kind of questions you might expect from this specific company. Glassdoor is a good place to look for information on other people’s interview experiences at that company and to learn what questions they were asked. Go through those questions and make sure you have an answer. Another helpful tip is to come up with a couple of anecdotes that best highlight your strengths and qualifications and could be applied to a number of questions
• Come with questions – At the end of the interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. This is the time to learn more about the company and what your role might look like. The interview process is not only a time for the company to evaluate you but also for you to evaluate the company and decide if it’s a good fit 
• Send a follow-up email – Send a thank-you email no more than 48 hours after your interview. Write in complete sentences and speak in a business-like manner. However, try to keep the email brief as someone may not read the email at all if it’s too long. To help you write a meaningful follow-up email, take notes directly after your interview so you remember what you talked about. Refer to those notes when writing your thank-you email so it is personalized. Make sure to send a separate and unique email to each person who interviewed you.

“Make sure to dress appropriately for the interview. Put your best foot forward by donning business casual attire and scale up from there, depending on the seniority of the role. Hard to go wrong with a dress shirt of some kind.”

Connor Hoy

Red Ventures Recruiter

With these tips, you should be able to score a job much more efficiently. It’s a lot of work but these extra steps really can make all the difference. Good luck!

Once you get the job …

Once you accept your new job offer, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need to be successful in a digital job market. 

Internet connections

In a post-COVID world, many jobs are now at least semi-remote if not fully remote. You’ll need to make sure you have the internet connection and capabilities necessary for Zoom meetings, browsing and any other work activities you complete on a daily basis. 

First, find out the speed you need for your digital activities. Some internet tasks require more download and upload speed than others – if you don’t have enough, you could be plagued with slow, laggy internet that inhibits your daily work.

Next, make sure you have the right internet plan for the speed you’ll need. If you find that your current internet isn’t up to the task, check out new providers or plans in your area. 

If you don’t have internet at home, there are still options for you

If you don’t currently have an internet connection at home, check out providers available near you. 

If you’re in need of low-budget internet, or just enough speed to allow you to apply for jobs online, some providers have cheap internet options, like Xfinity’s Internet Essentials program, Mediacom’s Connect2Compete program and Optimum’s Advantage Internet. These providers all offer plans for under $15/mo. Some federal programs also offer internet assistance.

Lifeline 

Lifeline provides a discount of $9.25/mo. ($34.25/mo. for those on qualifying Tribal lands) toward a landline, cellphone plan, home internet service and internet and phone bundles.

Check out other federal internet funding programs you may be able to capitalize on.

Having a stable home internet connection is almost a non-negotiable in today’s digital world. Even if you won’t be working from home, it’s important to have the right internet connection for job applications, interviewing and corresponding.