Do’s and Don’ts of Applying for Jobs Online

You’ve been applying to jobs online for three weeks. You’ve submitted 47 applications. You’ve heard back from exactly two companies, and one of those was an automated rejection email.

Sound familiar?

Here’s what’s actually happening: your resume is getting filtered out by software before a human ever sees it. Your LinkedIn profile contradicts your resume. You’re applying to everything instead of targeting the right things. And you’re making mistakes you don’t even know are mistakes.

Understanding the do’s and don’ts of applying for jobs online isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about understanding how the system actually works—and working with it instead of against it.

How Online Job Applications Actually Work (And Why Most Fail)

Before we get to the do’s and don’ts, you need to understand what happens after you click “submit.”

The journey of your online application:

ATS (Applicant Tracking System) scans your resume – It’s looking for keywords, checking formatting, and scoring your match to the job description
If you pass the ATS (most don’t) – A recruiter might spend 6-8 seconds scanning your resume
If you pass the recruiter – They’ll look at your LinkedIn profile to verify you’re real and professional
If everything checks out – You might get an interview

The brutal reality: Most applications die at step 1. The software rejects you before any human sees your name.

That’s why the do’s and don’ts of applying for jobs online focus so heavily on getting past that first filter. You can’t get hired if you can’t get seen.

DO: Tailor Every Single Application (Yes, Every One)

This is the most important item on any list of do’s and don’ts of applying for jobs online.

The mistake everyone makes: Sending the same resume to 50 companies and wondering why nothing happens.

Why it doesn’t work: ATS software scores your resume against the specific job description. A generic resume scores low for everything. A tailored resume scores high for the jobs that actually match your skills.

How to tailor effectively:

Step 1: Create a master resume with every skill, achievement, and responsibility you’ve ever had.

Step 2: For each application, customize:

Your professional summary (first 3-4 lines)
Your most recent role’s bullet points
Your skills section
Any relevant keywords from the job description

Step 3: Use their language. If they say “project management,” don’t say “program coordination.” If they want “stakeholder engagement,” don’t say “client communication.” Match their exact terminology.

Time investment: 20-30 minutes per application. Yes, this means applying to fewer jobs. That’s the point. Ten tailored applications beat 50 generic ones.

The test: Can you remove the job title from your resume and a recruiter could still guess which job you’re applying for? If yes, it’s tailored enough.

DON’T: Ignore ATS Formatting Rules

Here’s one of the critical don’ts of applying for jobs online: using a resume format that looks great to humans but is unreadable to software.

What kills your resume in ATS:

Tables and text boxes (the software can’t read them)
Headers and footers (information gets lost)
Columns (content gets scrambled)
Graphics, charts, or images (ATS can’t parse visual information)
Unusual fonts (stick to Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
Creative formatting (drop caps, shading, borders)

What works for ATS:

Simple, single-column layout
Standard section headers (Work Experience, Education, Skills)
Bullet points for accomplishments
Plain text with clear hierarchy
Standard fonts in 10-12pt size
Plenty of white space

Pro tip: Before you submit, copy-paste your resume into a plain text editor (like Notepad). If it looks like a jumbled mess, the ATS is seeing a jumbled mess too.

The exception: If you’re applying in a creative field and they specifically request a portfolio or design resume, then yes, make it beautiful. But have an ATS-friendly version ready for online applications.

DO: Use Keywords Strategically (But Don’t Keyword Stuff)

Understanding how to use keywords is essential when learning the do’s and don’ts of applying for jobs online.

How ATS scores keywords: The software looks for specific terms from the job description. The more matches you have (in context), the higher your score.

How to find the right keywords:

Read the job description carefully – Highlight required skills, software, certifications, and responsibilities
Note the exact terminology – “Salesforce CRM” vs. “CRM software” vs. “customer relationship management tools”
Identify the priorities – Skills mentioned multiple times or listed first are weighted heavier
Look for both hard and soft skills – Technical abilities AND things like “cross-functional collaboration”

How to use keywords naturally:

Bad (keyword stuffing): “Experienced in project management, project planning, project coordination, project execution, and project delivery”

Good (natural integration): “Led cross-functional project teams through full lifecycle from planning to delivery, managing budgets up to $2M and coordinating with 15+ stakeholders”

Where to place keywords:

Professional summary (top of resume)
Skills section (obvious place ATS looks)
Job descriptions under each role (in context of achievements)
Education/certifications (if relevant)

The balance: You need enough keywords to score well, but they need to be in context that makes sense to the human who reads it after.

DON’T: Submit a Generic Cover Letter (Or Skip It Entirely)

One of the most overlooked don’ts of applying for jobs online is treating the cover letter like an afterthought.

Why this matters: Many applicants skip the cover letter entirely when it’s “optional.” This is a mistake. Optional means “here’s your chance to stand out.”

What NOT to do:

Use “Dear Hiring Manager” without researching who that is
Restate your entire resume in paragraph form
Talk about what YOU want instead of what you offer
Use the same letter for every application
Make it longer than one page

What to DO instead:

Structure that works:

Opening (2-3 sentences): State the role you’re applying for and one compelling reason you’re a strong fit.

Body (2-3 short paragraphs):

Paragraph 1: Your most relevant achievement with specific results
Paragraph 2: Why this company specifically (show you’ve done research)
Paragraph 3: One or two key skills that directly match their needs

Closing (2 sentences): Express enthusiasm and indicate you’re available for next steps.

Total length: 250-400 words maximum. Recruiters skim these. Make every word count.

Example opening:

❌ “I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position at your company.”

✅ “I’m excited to apply for the Marketing Manager role at [Company]. My track record of increasing organic traffic by 150% and leading teams of 8+ aligns directly with your goals for expanding digital presence.”

DO: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile (It’s Part of Your Application)

When discussing do’s and don’ts of applying for jobs online, your LinkedIn profile is non-negotiable.

Why this matters: After your resume passes the ATS, the recruiter will Google you. The first result is usually LinkedIn. If your profile doesn’t match your resume or looks abandoned, you’re done.

LinkedIn must-dos:

Professional photo – Not a selfie, not a group photo cropped down, not you at a wedding. A clear headshot where you look professional and approachable.

Headline that’s not just your job title – Use this space for keywords and value. Instead of “Marketing Manager,” try “Marketing Manager | B2B SaaS Growth | Content Strategy & Team Leadership”

Detailed summary – This is where you can be more conversational than your resume. Tell your story, mention your strengths, include keywords naturally.

Complete work history – Should match your resume dates and titles exactly. Discrepancies raise red flags.

Skills section – Add at least 10-15 relevant skills. Get endorsements if possible (they help with LinkedIn search rankings).

Activity – You don’t need to post daily, but some recent activity shows you’re engaged and current in your field.

Custom URL – Change your URL from the random numbers to linkedin.com/in/yourname. It looks more professional.

The consistency check: Your LinkedIn and resume should tell the same story with the same dates and titles. Differences make recruiters suspicious.

DON’T: Spray and Pray (Apply to Everything)

This is one of the biggest don’ts of applying for jobs online that people struggle with.

The mistake: Applying to 100 jobs a week, customizing nothing, and hoping something sticks.

Why it doesn’t work:

Generic applications score poorly in ATS
You can’t speak intelligently about roles you didn’t research
You waste time on jobs you’re not actually qualified for
You burn out from constant rejection

The better approach:

Quality over quantity. Apply to 5-10 well-researched, tailored applications per week instead of 50 generic ones.

Pre-qualify yourself:

Do you meet at least 70% of the required qualifications?
Would you actually take this job if offered?
Can you articulate why you want THIS role at THIS company?
Do your skills genuinely transfer to this position?

If you answered no to any of those, move on to the next posting.

Time allocation: Spend 30 minutes researching and tailoring per application. That’s better than 30 seconds per application times 60 jobs.

DO: Follow Application Instructions Exactly

This seems obvious, but it’s a critical part of the do’s and don’ts of applying for jobs online that trips people up constantly.

Common instruction mistakes:

File format – They ask for PDF, you send DOCX (or vice versa). Automatic rejection.

Naming convention – They ask for “FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf” and you send “Resume.pdf.” Shows you don’t follow directions.

Required questions – You skip the “optional” essay questions. They’re not actually optional—they’re testing your attention to detail.

Salary requirements – They ask you to include salary expectations and you ignore it. They assume you’re out of their range.

Application deadline – You apply two days after the deadline. Your application goes straight to the trash.

Why this matters: Following instructions is a proxy for “can this person follow directions at work?” If you can’t follow simple application instructions, they assume you won’t follow procedures on the job.

Pro tip: Before you click submit, review the job posting one more time and verify you’ve completed every requested item.

DON’T: Neglect Your Digital Footprint

One of the most overlooked don’ts of applying for jobs online: forgetting that your entire online presence is part of your application.

What recruiters are Googling:

Your name (obviously)
Your name + your city
Your name + your current/previous company
Your social media profiles

What they’re finding:

Your LinkedIn (good)
Your Twitter/X with hot takes on politics (potentially bad)
Your Instagram with party photos (potentially bad)
Your TikTok with… whatever’s on your TikTok (potentially very bad)
Articles or blog posts you’ve written (potentially good)
Comments you’ve made on public forums (potentially bad)

How to clean up your digital footprint:

Audit everything:

Google yourself and see what appears
Check all social media privacy settings
Review old posts for anything unprofessional
Remove or make private anything you wouldn’t want a potential employer seeing

Make strategic choices:

Make personal accounts private
Use professional accounts for thought leadership
Keep LinkedIn highly professional and active
Consider separating personal and professional personas entirely

What’s actually problematic:

Hate speech, discrimination, harassment (obviously)
Excessive partying/drinking content
Badmouthing current or former employers
Controversial political content (unless you’re applying in politics)
Unprofessional photos or language
Evidence of dishonesty or illegal activity

What’s fine:

Having opinions on industry topics
Personal hobbies and interests
Appropriate family photos
Community involvement
Professional achievements and celebrations

DO: Apply Early in the Posting Cycle

Here’s a do from the do’s and don’ts of applying for jobs online that most people don’t think about: timing matters.

Why early applications have an advantage:

Recruiter energy and attention – When a job first posts, the recruiter is actively engaged, reviewing each application carefully. Two weeks later, they’re overwhelmed and skimming.

Smaller applicant pool – You’re competing with dozens instead of hundreds. Your application gets more attention.

Urgency to fill the role – If you’re a strong candidate early, they might move you through quickly instead of waiting to see all applicants.

Less comparison fatigue – When recruiters see 200 similar resumes, they all blur together. Be in the first batch reviewed.

How to apply early:

Set up job alerts on LinkedIn, Indeed, company websites, and industry-specific boards. Review them daily.

Check target companies directly – Their careers page often posts jobs before they hit aggregator sites.

Network proactively – Sometimes positions get filled before they’re even posted. Internal referrals can get you in early.

The sweet spot: Apply within the first 3 days of a posting going live.

DON’T: Send Your Application and Disappear

Another critical don’t of applying for jobs online: treating “submit” like the end of your involvement.

Why following up matters:

Shows genuine interest
Keeps you top of mind
Demonstrates professionalism
Gives you another chance to stand out

How to follow up effectively:

Timeline:

Wait 5-7 business days after applying
If they gave a timeline (“we’ll respond within 2 weeks”), respect it and follow up one day after that window closes

Method:

Email is usually best
LinkedIn message if you can find the hiring manager
Phone call only if they specifically provided a number

What to say:

❌ Bad follow-up: “Just checking if you received my application?”

✅ Good follow-up: “Hi [Name],

I applied for the [Job Title] position on [date] and wanted to reiterate my strong interest. I’ve been following [Company]’s recent [specific project/news], and it reinforces why my experience with [relevant skill] would be valuable to your team.

I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how I could contribute to [specific goal mentioned in job description].

Best regards, [Your name]”

Follow up once, maybe twice maximum. After that, move on. Persistence becomes pestering quickly.

DO: Prepare for Automated Video Interviews

Modern do’s and don’ts of applying for jobs online must include preparation for AI-driven interview screening.

What are automated video interviews (AVIs)? Companies use platforms like HireVue where you record video responses to preset questions. An AI analyzes your answers before a human sees them.

How to prepare:

Technical setup:

Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection
Choose a quiet location with good lighting (natural light facing you is best)
Clean, professional background (solid wall, bookshelf, or virtual background if allowed)
Dress professionally from head to toe (yes, even the bottoms)

Content preparation:

Practice common interview questions out loud
Keep answers concise (usually 1-3 minutes per question)
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Prepare 5-7 stories that demonstrate key competencies

During the recording:

Look directly at the camera (not at yourself on screen)
Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
Smile and show energy (AI measures facial expressions)
Use hand gestures naturally (but not excessively)
Take a brief pause before answering to collect your thoughts

Pro tip: Practice with your phone’s video camera. Record yourself answering questions and watch them back. It feels awkward, but it helps tremendously.

DON’T: Lie or Exaggerate Your Qualifications

This is perhaps the most important don’t of applying for jobs online.

Why people do it:

They’re desperate for the job
They think everyone exaggerates
They assume they won’t get caught
The job requires skills they “almost” have

Why it’s a terrible idea:

Background checks will catch degree or employment date lies – This is automatic disqualification and can get you fired even after you’re hired.

Skills tests will expose false claims – Many companies now use AI-driven assessments to test claimed skills. If you said you’re “advanced in Excel” and can’t complete a basic test, you’re done.

Reference checks will reveal inconsistencies – If your resume says you “led a team of 15” but your reference says you “contributed to team projects,” that’s a problem.

You’ll struggle in the role – Even if you get hired based on false qualifications, you’ll either fail at the job or live in constant stress of being exposed.

What’s okay vs. what’s not:

✅ Okay: Presenting your genuine skills in the best light
✅ Okay: Emphasizing achievements that are most relevant to the role
✅ Okay: Describing your role in team projects where you made real contributions

❌ Not okay: Claiming degrees you didn’t earn
❌ Not okay: Inventing job titles or responsibilities
❌ Not okay: Listing skills you don’t actually have
❌ Not okay: Falsifying dates to hide employment gaps

The alternative: Be honest about your level. “Proficient in X with 2 years experience” is better than claiming expertise you don’t have. Many employers value honesty and growth potential over perfect credentials.

DO: Track Every Application Systematically

This organizational tip is an underrated part of the do’s and don’ts of applying for jobs online.

Why you need a tracking system:

You’ll forget which jobs you applied to
You’ll need to reference your tailored resume for interviews
You’ll miss follow-up deadlines
You can’t analyze what’s working and what’s not

What to track:

Create a spreadsheet with these columns:

Company name
Job title
Date applied
Job posting URL (save it—they often get taken down)
Contact person (if you have one)
Tailored resume version (save each one with a date code)
Cover letter key points
Follow-up date
Status (applied, interviewed, rejected, offer, etc.)
Notes

Use this information for:

Interview preparation – Pull up your exact resume and cover letter to see what you told them

Follow-up scheduling – Know exactly when to send that follow-up email

Pattern analysis – After 20 applications, review what types of roles got responses

Reference in future applications – Note what worked and what didn’t

Pro tip: Use a tool like Notion, Airtable, or even Google Sheets. Keep it updated the day you apply, not weeks later when you can’t remember.

DON’T: Apply from Your Phone (Unless Absolutely Necessary)

Here’s a don’t of applying for jobs online that’s increasingly common: mobile applications.

Why phone applications are problematic:

Formatting issues – Your carefully formatted resume might not upload correctly

Typos – Autocorrect and small keyboards create mistakes you don’t catch

Incomplete applications – It’s harder to carefully read and respond to all questions

Attachment problems – Mobile file systems make it easy to attach the wrong document

Distraction risk – You’re more likely to rush through on your phone

When mobile is okay:

Saving a job posting to apply to later on your computer
Submitting a truly simple application (job boards sometimes allow one-click apply)
Emergency situations where a deadline is passing

When mobile is not okay:

Applications requiring detailed responses
Uploading multiple documents
Positions you really care about
Any application with an assessment or questionnaire

The rule: If the job matters to you, apply from a computer where you can carefully review everything before submitting.

Your Online Job Application Checklist

Before you click “submit” on any application, run through this checklist of do’s and don’ts:

Resume & Documents

Resume is tailored to this specific job description
Keywords from job posting are naturally integrated
Formatting is ATS-friendly (simple, clean, no graphics)
File is named appropriately (FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf)
File format matches what they requested
Dates and titles match LinkedIn exactly
No typos (you’ve read it three times)
Achievements are quantified with specific metrics

Cover Letter

Addressed to specific person (if possible)
Mentions company name correctly
References specific job title
Includes at least one research-based insight about the company
Highlights 2-3 relevant achievements with results
Under 400 words
No typos

Application Portal

All required fields completed
All optional questions answered (unless truly not applicable)
Contact information is current
Email address is professional (not partygirl6969@emailprovider.com)
Phone number is correct with professional voicemail

Online Presence

LinkedIn profile is updated and matches resume
LinkedIn profile photo is professional
Social media is set to private or cleaned up
Google search of your name shows professional results

Follow-Through

Application details saved in tracking spreadsheet
Job description copied and saved
Follow-up date scheduled
Thank you email template prepared

The Bottom Line on Do’s and Don’ts of Applying for Jobs Online

The do’s and don’ts of applying for jobs online come down to this: respect the process, understand how it works, and give yourself every possible advantage.

The system is imperfect. ATS software will reject qualified candidates. Recruiters will overlook great resumes. Timing and luck play a role. But you can dramatically improve your odds by:

Following the do’s:

Tailoring every application
Using ATS-friendly formatting
Optimizing your online presence
Following instructions exactly
Applying early and following up strategically

Avoiding the don’ts:

Generic, spray-and-pray applications
Ignoring ATS requirements
Neglecting your LinkedIn and digital footprint
Exaggerating or lying about qualifications
Giving up after no response

The mindset shift: Applying for jobs online isn’t about quantity. It’s about strategic, targeted effort on opportunities where you’re genuinely qualified and interested.

Ten carefully crafted applications will outperform 100 generic submissions every single time.

Now stop reading, pick 3-5 jobs you’re genuinely excited about and qualified for, and apply to them properly. Use this guide. Take your time. Make each application count.

Your next job is out there. You just need to apply in a way that actually gets you seen.

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