Ten benefits of applying directly on an employer’s own website

Why is it better to put in your job application through an employer’s own website? What do you gain as an applicant by going directly to the employer when applying for a position? 

When you start your search for a job opening online, you can expect to be inundated with information. Next thing you know, you’ll be scrolling through vacancies on any one of a number of different platforms. There are dozens of platforms out there that act as job boards listing vacancies from different employers that make it easy to search for vacancies by sector, location and other search criteria. However, applying through one of these websites may not be the best way to go. 

Searching for a job online 

There are thousands of jobs advertised online but, with so much choice, where do you start? Many businesses have their own page on LinkedIn where they post news and other items. You can also see the vacancies they have published on the platform. Once you’ve found a vacancy you want to apply for, all you have to do is click on the link to the company’s website. You’ll also find this information on the company page on LinkedIn. If you are searching on large websites that collate vacancies from different sources, it’s also worth checking whether your search results also show the employer’s website.  

Tips before applying 

Prepare well before you start applying. It goes without saying that you need to put together a good resume. Think carefully about your skills and experience, and list these clearly. Briefly describe in each case how you applied your skills in a previous job or in your education. Beyond that, it’s important to take some time to think about where you want to work. Do you want to work close to home, are you able to relocate, or are you looking to move to a particular area or city? Narrowing down your preferences will help to make your search that much easier. 

Preparing for the interview is also critical: read our tips here! 

"Applying directly through the employer's website allows you to differentiate yourself from other candidates, to submit your application in the correct way and follow up on it, as well as increase your chances of a quick and positive response."

The benefits of applying directly through an employer’s own website 

Applying through the employer’s website can have a number of benefits compared to applying through job boards or other platforms. We have listed ten good reasons why this is often a better approach:   

1. Direct contact 

When you apply for a vacancy on the employer’s own website, your application goes directly to the company’s recruitment team. That means there is no intervention from third parties, which frequently slows the process down. Not only that, it’s more likely that your application will be given serious consideration since, by approaching them directly, you give the impression that you’ve done more in-depth research about the company. 

2. Less competition 

Strange but true: fewer people apply for vacancies through an employer’s website. This means there is less competition from other candidates and, consequently, your application will be considered more quickly. Why? Job boards show up higher in the results when you search for a job by typing keywords into a browser, because these websites typically have a very large number of pages. 

3. You have a better understanding of the company 

When you search for a job on the company’s own website, you learn more about the corporate culture, the company’s activities, and what they expect and can offer. This information will help you to match your cover letter and resume to the vacancy. 

4. Personalize your application 

It’s a good idea to tailor your application to the company. Firstly, the employer will identify better with your application and relate your experience or skills to the vacancy. Secondly, you will be more motivated to work for an employer when you can personally identify with the corporate culture and values. 

5. Make a good impression 

By tailoring your application to the company, you will make a good impression on the recruitment team. They have a clear understanding of who the company is looking for to fulfill a specific role. As an added bonus, you will bring over the impression that you are someone who prepares well, a key character trait for many employers. 

6. More control over your application 

When you apply directly, you have more control over how and what you submit in your application. This often means you are also better informed about the status of your application.  

7. Easy tracking 

Many companies will send you notification when they receive your application. If you apply directly, it’s often easier to follow up on your application, for example by contacting the recruiter using the contact information on the website. 

8. Less risk of your application getting lost 

Some applications via job boards may get lost in the system, or be filtered out by automatic filters. When you apply directly, this risk is reduced. 

9. Exclusive vacancies 

Some companies post certain vacancies exclusively on their own website, not on job boards. That’s why it’s always worth checking out the website of a company you’re interested in. 

10. Showing a serious interest 

By making the extra effort to apply directly through the employer’s website, you demonstrate a greater commitment to and interest in the company, which is often rated positively by recruiters.

Conclusion 

Applying directly through the employer’s website allows you to differentiate yourself from other candidates, to submit your application in the correct way and follow up on it, as well as increase your chances of a quick and positive response.  

So, what are you waiting for?! Check out the jobs at Pauwels Consulting, and discover exclusive vacancies in IT, Engineering and Life Sciences. Are you ready for your new challenge as a consultant with big name corporations that are driving the future?