How can you best navigate HR screening programs so you can get to the interview? How important are key words? As in the traditional application process, employers using online application processes are looking for students who have the skills, experience, and qualities that best match the requirements for the job opening.

Mike Mrozowski, recruiting coordinator for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (which does not use an automated screening process), says that the key to getting to the next step is to target. To properly target, Mrozowski explains, requires some in-depth knowledge and proper research techniques. One of the ways to get this type of inside information is to ask.

"Many students no longer attend career fairs because some employers just drive the students to their web site to apply," Mrozowski says. "I understand their frustration in that part of the process so we encourage paper resumes and rely heavily on the notes that our recruiters record on the back of the resume from their brief booth chats. However, astute job seekers can gather some great information from those employers that don't collect paper resumes."

Mrozowski says that if he were interested in an employer that told him to go online to apply, he would ask:

• What happens to the resume after I click "send?" Who reviews it and how? What format will work the best with your current system?
• What skill sets does your company/agency value the most?
• When should I follow up?
• Which department has the current openings?
• Which department is anticipating future openings?

Kelly Wuest, workforce development coordinator at the Community College of Southern Nevada's West Charleston Campus, has noticed a surge in the elimination of employment offices for major Las Vegas casinos.

One perfect example," she says, "is Wynn Las Vegas, which opened in April with employees hired totally from online applications."

While employer requirements may vary, here are some tips Wuest has for students:

• Be specific about employment history in the application—Students need to fill in school time in the employment section. Employers are looking for a complete work history, including gaps in employment.
• Use appropriate key words—Key words are extremely important and will help students get past the computer to a live person.
• Don't depend on employers looking at a paper resume—"I've had major [employers] admit that some managers only view the online application," Wuest notes.
• Use your resume to highlight areas not covered in the online application—For instance, some [employers] fail to ask about language skills, technical skills, volunteer work, and professional organization involvement.
• Go to career services to apply online—If students experience difficulty, career counselors are available to guide them through the system. "I have called HR managers about problems with system navigation," Wuest says. "They are happy to help me."