What is Online Recruitment and How Can it Help You Find Your Dream Job?

Jobstreet content team – updated on 15 December, 2022

In this digital age, many business activities are done online for speed and convenience. This includes hiring and selecting of candidates. So, what is online recruitment? How does online recruitment work? Knowing this gives you an advantage and lets you maximize the benefits of e-recruitment (another term for online recruitment) to help you find your dream job.

What is Online Recruitment?

Online recruitment, e-recruitment, or internet recruiting is how businesses use internet-based solutions for hiring-related activities.

Organizations use e-recruitment to attract and communicate efficiently with candidates from a larger, more diverse pool of talents. It increases their chances of finding a candidate with the required qualifications and specialist skills.

Using online job listings on job boards, company websites and social media accounts, and online advertising, organizations leverage the reach, speed, and ubiquity of the internet to source and hire potential employees.

Web-based technology is also used for other HR activities such as attracting candidates, assessment, selection, and onboarding.

What are the Benefits of E-Recruitment?

Online recruitment has many advantages for hirers, but it also has benefits for jobseekers.

It’s easy to do.

All it needs are basic internet search skills and the ability to fill out forms online.

It’s inexpensive.

No need to pound the pavement handing out resumes or buying newspapers for the classified ads, like in the old days. All it takes is a computer or smartphone and an internet connection. And off you go to find your dream job!

It lets you cast a wider net.

Fancy working locally, abroad, or on a cruise ship? Using the internet to find job listings enables you to find job listings from different companies and geographical locations.

It’s immediate.

Job listings appear in real-time and you can respond swiftly, letting you get your application to the hirer soonest. This feature is helpful in instances where the company has an urgent need to fill a position.

How Does Online Recruitment Work?

The modes of e-recruitment differ according to the purpose, goals, and resources of the hirer. Some companies may use special online recruitment software that allow applicant tracking and application processing. These screen for job-related keywords.

Other organizations use job boards and send their listings there regularly.

Meanwhile, many also have listings on their websites (check out the “Careers” or “Join Us” button on websites) or social media accounts.

Some of these tools are easy to use and will only require you to upload your documents or send them via email.

However, job boards and recruitment websites will ask you to create accounts. This means setting up login details such as usernames and passwords and filling out many online pages of work-related details about yourself, including contact information, work experience, and qualifications. These details are stored and will be used each time you apply. Be sure to update the details as necessary.

Tips to Use E-Recruitment to Find Jobs

It’s helpful to take into consideration the following tips for successfully using online recruitment sites in your job hunt.

Prepare your updated resume.

Write an attractive and compelling resume tailored to fit the position that you’re applying for. Make sure it is updated. You may need to upload this to a job board or company website.

Also read: The Top 7 Skills In Resume For Fresh Grads To Include!

List your entire employment history.

Make sure you have this information on hand as recruitment sites always ask you to fill out pages of this. Being prepared helps the process go faster and easier.

Make scans of important job-related documents.

These include diplomas, certificates, board examination results, and the like. Hirers are basically looking for proof of your claims on your resume. Make sure the scans are clear and of high quality; don’t make it difficult for hirers to read.

Create a short video or audio introduction.

Some hirers, particularly those based abroad, request applicants to send a short video or audio clip introducing themselves and sharing a little about their qualifications and career goals. This helps the hirer pre-screen shortlisted applicants.

If this is the case, prepare a short script to read -- this minimizes mistakes. Be sure to dress professionally, look at the camera confidently, and smile.

Start by stating your career objective, then give your basic qualifications such as degrees earned and trainings taken, and skills relevant to the position you’re applying for. Mention achievements you’ve made at work and awards earned. End by thanking the hirer for their time and a short statement that you look forward to an interview with them.

Use a professional email address.

If you don’t have one yet, create an email address with a professional handle. It’s best to keep it simple and use your real name, like [email protected]. Ditch the funky email addresses of your youth like [email protected] – they don’t give a good impression to hirers. Monitor your account regularly for messages from potential employers.

Search for jobs online.

Now that you have your resume, scans of documents, and other materials on hand, scour the internet for job boards and job listings. Create accounts and start looking for jobs using keywords.

Also read: Top 35 Power Words to Boost Your Jobstreet Profile and Resume

Be ready to take employment tests.

When you reach a certain stage in the recruitment process, some employers will ask you to take tests online. IQ tests assess your language, math, and abstract reasoning skills. Other tests may check your soft skills. Psychological tests inform hirers if you are a good fit for the job and the company.

Prepare to be interviewed online.

Once you get this far, get ready to be interviewed online. This practice became more common after the pandemic. Install at least Zoom and Google Meet as these are the most commonly used video conferencing platforms. The recruiter will inform you what platform they use.

Some companies use an automated online interviewing system. This asks the candidate questions, and a time limit is given for thinking and replying with the answers. Be prepared to answer under time pressure.

What’s Next?

When you hear back from a hirer and you’re given a chance to advance to a higher stage in the process, be sure to thank them afterward. Send them an email expressing your gratitude for the opportunity.

Make sure to check your email inbox regularly for messages and reply promptly and professionally.