<p>Hey guys, I have a question…</p>
<p>When applying for a job, is it better to apply online, or in person? Is there any difference? Do companies perfer it one way or the other? I’ve never applied for a job online before, and the one i’m looking at right now has an “Apply Online” button next to it.</p>
<p>Any suggestions?</p>
<p>fendergirl, I’d have to know what kind of job. A career job or a parttime or filler job? If I was applying for a fulltime position at a company I wanted to establish a career with, I’d certainly apply in person. If on the other hand I was looking at Blockbuster for a summer job, on-line it is.</p>
<p>I’m graduating college in May and looking for a regular career job. I just found one that REALLY sparked my interest and I meet all of the qualifications (and then some)… I printed it out and I’m going to show it to my mom first thing in the morning. (we were job hunting online tonight… I’m home for Easter break.)</p>
<p>*edit</p>
<p>Well here it says ALL applications are to be submitted online… and that if you go to the place you use a kiosk there to apply online… So I guess that means i’ll be applying online.</p>
<p>yay! where are you graduating from? dont colleges give you help with career-finding stuff?</p>
<p>Yeah they give help with career finding stuff… It’s just that I’m on break right now, and I literally just located this job like 30 minutes ago. I go to York College (it’s in PA).</p>
<p>My sister applied online to 25 jobs using Craingslist.sanfrancisco. She got interviews for 10 jobs and was hired for a great part-time management position–all from the online advert and application.</p>
<p>Go for it and good luck!</p>
<p>thank you! it’s not like a “dream job” or anything like that, but it’s something i definately am interested in and have experience with… i hope they seriously consider me… I’m excited just at the thought…</p>
<p>calm down girl… calm down…</p>
<p>Calm down and go to sleep! Good God! what is the hour out there?? :p</p>
<p>Fendergirl, you might also visit monster.com; they have discussion boards and one board in particular dedicated to college students entering the workforce. There are regular HR professionals on line and they can help with everything from your resume, how to apply, the interview process, etc.</p>
<p>If you apply online, make absolutely certain that everything you write is grammatically correct. It will be the only first impression you can make.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>aw come on, i’m always gramatically correct. 
I’m filling out the online application now. I showed it to my mom this morning and she even agreed that it was the perfect job for me! I just hope they seriously consider me.</p>
<p>I wonder if it would hurt to send a snailmail letter to the human resources director? Or would that bug them? Might help you stand out… Anothe tactic is to offer to work for them for free for a two week trial. That one worked for me (though that is usually best done in person.)</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Well, it’s a management position… so I don’t think they would be very keen on hiring someone as a manager for a week or two… if that makes any sense. I’m a bit wary about if they’d even consider a 22 year old recent college graduate… But I’m going to try anyway… because I am really interested in this job. I am positive that if they called any of the numbers on my resume (references, previous employers, etc) that they’d hear nothing but good things about me and the way I work… and that I could definately handle this position.</p>
<p>I’d apply online…but I’d be more proactive and call the company and get the name of the head of the department that the job is in. Then, I’d follow up with a phone call or a “hard” letter expressing my interest. If I sent a hard letter, I’d tailor it to explaining why I’m perfect for the job and I’d include another copy of my resume. </p>
<p>The problem with online submissions is that some companies then use filters to sort through the huge volume of resumes. It’s difficult to stand out.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Well, I just got done filling out the application. I Filled out their forms and attached a cover letter and resume as well. It says that the application reviewing process takes about two weeks, and not to get dissapointed if you don’t hear from them. </p>
<p>I do know, however, that they will be coming to a job fair on my campus in a week and a half looking for interns, so I think I will go to that (I had planned on going anyway) and introduce myself to them in person, and possibly them a hard copy of everything I submitted online… Does that sound reasonable?</p>
<p>Fendergirl,</p>
<p>Carolyn’s advice is right on the money. HR departments can be overwhelmed with responses. My DH recently interviewed at a company that had over 700 responses for the job he had applied to. How the heck do you stand out in a crowd that big! Well, he did just what Carolyn recommended. A little detective work to find the name of the hiring manager and a good cover letter secured him an interview within a week. This has worked for him more than once.</p>
<p>Also, many HR departments use filtering software to screen applications/resumes. If your application or resume does not contain certain key words or phrases that the company is looking for you won’t make it to the second round. Read those ads carefully, do a little homework about the company and tailor your cover letter and resume to increase your odds.</p>
<p>And definitely introduce yourself at the job fair!</p>
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<p>“definately” (sic) double check the spelling on your application too :-)</p>
<p>Fendergirl, my H and I just had a conversation about online apps, and applying electronically is standard procedure these days. A LOT of companies request online apps first, then they’ll bring you in for a follow-up interview if they are interested.</p>
<p>Get confirmation that your application was received (make sure that it didn’t get caught in a spam filter) by calling the company immediately after you send your app. A contact person &/or a hiring department should be listed in the application info. Ask when you should call back to follow up on your application. Get into the habit of writing down the name and the position of the person you spoke to. </p>
<p>Good luck! :)</p>