Online job applications are on the increase and they make you look good. Get the facts on how to get in on the act.

Applying for jobs electronically is an extremely effective way of proving immediately that you are computer literate. Most employers now offer online options to applicants. These include:

• application forms that are completed and sent via the Web,
• forms that can be downloaded from the Web but need to be printed and returned by conventional post,
• requests for CVs with covering letters to be sent as emails.

One of the biggest advantages of applying electronically is that the distractions of handwriting and paper quality are removed. The focus is on the content.

Online forms

These are common on employers' websites both for current vacancies and to attract speculative applicants.

• Don't be tempted to complete and submit an online form immediately. Take the same time and care as you would over a paper application form.
• Either print off the form and work on a hard copy first or copy and paste it into a word processing package.
• Online forms are full of formatting. Paste them as plain text into your word processor by using the Edit /Paste Special… option.
• Many forms have both optional and compulsory fields. Always complete sections that ask for more detailed background information. They give employers an insight into what's special about you.
• When pasting from a word processing package to an online form don't rely on the spellchecker. Do a visual check too. Print the online form and read it carefully before submitting.
• Remember to save a copy of the completed form for yourself. Most browsers have a File / Save As… option.

Downloadable forms

Some employers offer their forms as downloads you can save to disc. The two most common formats are PDF or DOC files. To make use of these you need to have software that can read them.

PDF files are opened using Adobe Acrobat Reader. This free software can be downloaded from www.adobe.com. Most sites which provide documents in this format incorporate a link to an Adobe download page.

Although you can look at and print a PDF file, you will not be able to fill it in using your computer. You need to print the form, complete it by hand, then post it using conventional mail.

DOC files are opened using Microsoft Word. You need a version that's the same or newer than the download. You can then fill it in using Word and may be able to send it back to the employer as an email attachment.

Email applications

Employers who ask for applications by email are expecting a CV and covering letter. They usually make it clear whether this should be sent as an attachment or as plain text within the body of an email. If you're not sure, check with them. Recent problems with viruses in mail attachments have made companies wary. Many automatically delete unsolicited mail with attachments without looking at it. If they accept attachments, you need to send in a format that's compatible with their software.

Remember your mail reader may not be the same as theirs so the simpler you keep things the more likely it is to look good. Avoid using email formatting tools. Assume the recipient can only cope with basic text.

• Compose your CV in a word processing programme, save as plain text, then copy and paste it into an email. Check appearance and spacing, edit as necessary.
• Always complete the subject line. Make it clear and concise, the name of the job you are applying for and its reference number works well.
• Start with a career summary or employment objective, put contact details at the end. Your name and email address appear at the top of a message automatically.
• You can highlight text by using characters such as * = ~ ^ + < > but use these sparingly.
• See what your CV looks like by opening it in your Outbox or sending it to yourself.