Understand how online job hunting works

Online job hunting is changing fast as more and more retailers go online to advertise vacancies, receive applications and carry out testing and selection via the web. Before you start your search for the perfect job make sure you understand how the e-recruitment process works and all that the internet has to offer.

Find your ideal job

Specialist jobsites such as RetailChoice.com, corporate careers sites and websites run by recruitment consultants all offer lots of current vacancies. You can register to receive regular email alerts of the latest jobs that match your sills and experience but remember that nothing beats regular visits to relevant sites to find the perfect opportunity.

Jobsites also offer extra services to help you target your job search. Registering with a site allows you to build a personal profile detailing your skills, experience and educational background and this can be stored on the site alongside your CV. Many employers now search CV databases for potential candidates, so a powerful CV and personal profile will also help employers to find you.

Apply now

When you find a job that matches your skills, experience and career aspirations hit the 'apply now' button to begin the application process.

Upload your CV

Initially you will be taken through to an application page. In many cases this will invite you to attach a CV. Have one ready. If necessary tailor it to the specific job for which you are applying. Jobseekers applying through RetailChoice.com will also have the chance to complete a short covering note.

Fill in the application form

You might be asked to complete a short personal profile form in addition to uploading your CV. Online forms enable the business to store your data on their system in a way that is easy for recruiters to retrieve. Alternatively many retailers have developed their own online application forms which they prefer candidates to complete. In some cases the 'apply now' button will direct you straight to it.

Killer questions

E-recruitment has opened up the jobs market to many more candidates but there are downsides. To discourage jobseekers from applying for jobs for which they are not qualified, an increasing number of retailers use technology to sift out unsuitable candidates at an early stage in the process by asking them three or four 'killer' questions. These are designed to confirm that they have the minimum qualifications for the job.

Thank you for your application

Good retail recruiters use technology to confirm the receipt of all applications automatically. This will come by e-mail and should explain what happens next.

Telephone interviews

A growing number of retailers are conducting short telephone interviews before calling candidates to face-to-face interviews. Telephone interviews are more likely if the business is recruiting lots of staff or trying to fill a more junior post. They are a quick way of deciding on a short-list of candidates.

Invitation to complete online tests

Personality and ability testing has increased hugely as a result of online recruitment. It's not just managers and graduates who are expected to complete tests, several retailers have found that asking would-be sales assistants to complete a short personality questionnaire is successfully cutting down on interview time.

Invitation to interview

If you get through all the above you should expect to be invited to interview. If you're going for a management or professional job in retail, this may well involve an assessment centre which might include personality tests, role play or presentations.

Job offer

The best retail recruiters will keep in touch throughout the process, e-mailing you to let you know whether you are through to the next stage. When it comes to the job offer, this may also come via e-mail. However, recruiters tend to combine this with more traditional communication methods - so expect a phone call, even a letter through the post. And expect to reply in kind.

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