Go online!

On the next six pages, we present key phrases and expressions you can use in your job applications.

1. From algorithms to people

Mark: I’ve filled in lots of online forms, but I never hear back from anyone. You’ve worked as an HR manager before, Kate. Tell me what I’m doing wrong.

Kate: Blame the algorithms! Most good firms are inundated with applications, so they use applicanttracking systems. They help recruit, screen, hire and manage applicants. Only the best candidates make it to a real human being. Mark: How do I get past the bots?

2. Similar online to offline

Kate: Online forms are like normal CVS or covering letters. The forms usually have questions about your employment history, current position, education and future plans — the things you normally write about in a traditional application.

Mark: What do you mean?

Kate: In the letter, you write the reasons why you want to work for a company. In an online form, you might have to answer the question “What attracts you to our company?” or, and this is my personal favourite, “How does this position fit in with your longterm goals?”.

Mark: They sound more like interview questions.

Kate: If you answer them well, you’ll be invited to a real interview. Or you might have to record a video pitch.

Mark: Great! I look forward to that.

3. A new job, a new text

Kate: Whether you’re filling in an online form or writing a formal job application, you have to tailor every application to each job description. And use key words. Mark: How do I know which ones to use?

Kate: Analyse the job description. What skills and titles are listed? If the description says “trustworthy”, use it. And add a few related adjectives, as well — as in: “My former employers describe me as discreet, reliable and trustworthy.” Go through the form and prepare everything first offline — and spellcheck it. Then copy and paste each answer into the form.

4. Online form Q.3 Why did you apply for this position?

According to the job description, the ideal candidate needs to be “an excellent communicator, detailoriented and familiar with the industry”.

Having worked in the entertainment business in the UK for over seven years,

I have a proven track record of all these qualities.

I am particularly attentive to detail and enjoy excellent relationships with my

colleagues. As someone who is fluent in English and a native speaker of German, I am ideally suited for the position of translator.