Attaching a resume when the application is a fill in/cookie cutter form

[wish_me_luck, BSN, RN]

Hi,

So, I hear a lot about resumes and all (and I have one ready to go when I can start my job search), but I actually see businesses/hospitals, etc. doing this online, fill in job application. How are you supposed to make yourself stand out when it is now "even though you have a resume, you have to fill out the application" and "resume optional, not required"? Is this a test to see how many people actually have a resume?

[elkpark]

More and more employers are going the "on-line only" route for applications. All the sites I have seen (and I went through a long, broad job-search process within the last few years) include an option for uploading your resume'/CV. I always included my CV, because it has a lot of information about me that the basic application doesn't cover. If folks didn't want to look at it, that was their choice but at least the info was there for them to see. I also always included a traditional cover letter, uploaded along with the CV (I would create a single document that was my cover letter for that specific position followed by my CV, same as if I had mailed a paper application packet). A number of potential employers commented specifically, positively, on the cover letter (that they were glad and impressed that I had included it).

I'm no expert on any of this, but, from what I've read, the point of the online-only applications seems to be that the employers have a software program that reviews the applications submitted and does the initial "weeding" of applications that don't contain key words related to qualifications and experience listed in the job description.

[delilas]

Many have a spot for you to upload your resume, regardless. If nothing else, it saves you time, because it helps pre-fill your application :)

But also, should that online application lead to an interview, always bring a nice paper copy along with you.

[ARock&AHardplace]

I'm no expert on any of this, but, from what I've read, the point of the online-only applications seems to be that the employers have a software program that reviews the applications submitted and does the initial "weeding" of applications that don't contain key words related to qualifications and experience listed in the job description.

Your right it is used to look for key words and help weed out the non qualified. But these online apps can be used to your advantage because of that very reason. Tailor your resume to include those exact key words that were used in the job description.And a cover letter is always a good idea. Including one with an attached copy of your resume will only help. Once the computer says "this is a qualified individual" then the attached documents will be seen by a actual human and that is your chance to seperate yourself from the other applicants.