These days it is no longer uncommon to search for a job online. Most companies advertise open positions online and some even require applications and resumes to be submitted online before qualifying for the interview process. When submitting a resume online, there is a right and wrong way. Here are a few tips to help eliminate errors and set you up to be more successful in landing the interview.

Choose an Appropriate Format

Contrary to popular belief, there is actually a few appropriate formats for your resume to be submitted in a professional manner. The most popular online formats are: Word or PDF. The benefit to having a resume saved in a PDF format is that your resume will stay exactly how it was saved. Word documents tend to shift from computer to computer. Most of the time, if the resume is received in a link form or random format, the hiring manager will either ignore the submission or ask for you to resend the document. Keep in mind that not everyone has the same software, so the recipient may not be able to open the document if it is saved in another format.

Name Your File Professionally

The resume you are submitting online is the your first impression, do not misrepresent yourself by sending a resume named “resume” or something incomprehensible to the hiring manager like “Janesresume2”. When submitting a resume online or via email, make sure you name the file properly. Be clear and precise, do not create a guessing game for the hiring manager. A professional file name would be “FULL Name_Resume” or “Full Name_Cover Letter”. Also, it is more organized in an email if your cover letter is sent as a separate document.

Follow Instructions

When applying for a position online, make sure to review the submission instructions and follow them exactly. This can often be used as a “weeding out” tool for hiring managers, as it shows who can/can’t follow simple instructions. If they ask for your resume to be named a specific way or submitted with extra information (some will ask for an email and phone number to be listed, etc.) there is usually a reason they are asking. After PROOFREADING your application and resume (check it twice), read over the submission instructions one last time before hitting the “send” button. Read it like a checklist so you are sure not to miss anything.

Most of us have had plenty of experience applying for positions online. However, if you are submitting resume after resume and hearing nothing back, it may be your submission process that needs some work. Taking these tips into consideration will help you to look more organized and professional to hiring managers searching for qualified candidates to interview.