By now, we're sure you know what an online application system is, but thought you might want a little bit of background info...

You would be hard pushed to find a modern graduate recruiter who doesn't use an online application system of some form or another. This could be something as basic as a website that allows you to send or input your CV and basic application details or something as fancy as one of the systems developed by the people who powered the trainer on this site. These fancier systems might allow you to complete psychometric tests online, and could include sections where you are able to book the time and day of your interview and assessment centre, as well as track all the correspondence you have sent or been sent.

We've all heard the online application form nightmares - system crashes, lost forms, delayed responses and contradictory correspondence. But, as employers refine their systems (and get used to using them) and as more and more incorporate a 'save and return' facility, the systems have actually become a whole lot more reliable and easy to use.
You may feel that technology has taken all the personality out of the recruitment process; that some computer will be rejecting or accepting your application based on absurdly rigid criteria. Graduates often complain that their form is scanned for UCAS points and rejected without even being seen by a human eye. But this isn't the case; graduate recruiters are at pains to point out that every application is seen by a pair of real-life, graduate-recruiter eyes. The truth is that they worry about computers taking away the personal touch as much as you do.

Well, it's obvious, isn't it? Online applications are just so much quicker than those old, fuddy-duddy paper applications. They're quicker to complete (providing you aren't a techno-phobe), and you should hear back more swiftly too. You don't have to wait anxiously by the letter box every day for weeks on end - you might even get a response within a day (though you might not like to if the news isn't good).
Online systems are, in theory, much more objective and fair, too. Your application will be judged on its merits, and not on whether the recruiter has had a bad day, or if they don't like your handwriting. And the whole process is much more flexible too - from booking your own interview time, to saving the form (if you're getting a bit tired) and being able to come back to it.

For heaps more application advice and tips on researching employers, visit your careers service or go to general advice at targetjobs.co.uk.