Q: I've been applying for jobs online for a few months and sometimes it feels like I'm sending my resumes into a black hole. What's the best way to apply for—and get—a job online?
-- submitted by Wallace, Portland, Maine

A: Wallace, here are my top five tips for applying for a job online:

1. Customize your resume
The best resume is tailored specifically to the job for which you're applying. Start by reading the job description closely. Take notes on the skills, type of experience, educational background, and personal attributes the employer is looking for. While you should never embellish your resume with skills or experience you don’t really have, you can use wording, organization, formatting, and style to emphasize certain aspects of your background. Arrange your resume in a way that demonstrates how your background syncs up with what they're looking for—point by point. If a specific degree is required and you've recently graduated, move the education section to the top of your resume. If you have industry experience, a certain skill, or language ability that's critical to the job, mention it in a professional summary at the very top. And, don’t be afraid to leave out a job or coursework if it's not relevant to the position.

2. Always include a cover letter
A cover letter represents your first and best opportunity to show how your experience matches up with the job requirements. Like your resume, your cover letter should be customized specifically for the position—hiring managers can smell a vague, boilerplate cover letter from a mile away. Include a short paragraph about exactly why you want to work for that company and exactly why they should hire you. Use words from the job description to describe your own skills and experiences. Address how you have the skills and experience to address most, if not all, of the requirements they mention in the job description. And keep your cover letter to one page.

3. Use a professional email address
Whether you're emailing your resume and cover letter or submitting them via an online form, nearly all job applications require an email address. In fact, your email address will be the very first thing a potential employer sees—and it should be simple and professional. Sending a resume from Beerchugger08@yahoo.com is going to land you on the bottom of the pile. Avoid silly, racy or incomprehensible. A personal email address that uses your name is ideal. Likewise, the subject line of your email (and the name of your attachments) should be clear and professional and should include the name of the position for which you're applying. Example: Jane Smith – Account Manager at ABC Company – Application.

4. Be flexible about salary requirements
Job descriptions sometimes ask applicants to indicate salary requirements in their cover letter. Don't ignore the request, but don't get too specific either. I recommend stating that your salary requirements are flexible and that you look forward to discussing salary in more detail in an interview. Being vague avoids scaring off an employer (if you go too high) and will position you better for when an actual job offer is made.

5. Network your way in
Applying online is a popular, useful job search tactic. But it shouldn't be your only one. When you come across an interesting job, consider your network—your family, friends (and friends of friends) and acquaintances. Do you know anyone who works at that company? By connecting with a current or past employee you may find valuable information that could make your application stand out. What's the hiring manager’s name? Could you mention your contact’s name in your cover letter? Is there an employee referral program?

Quick Tips About: Cover Letters
Write a new, customized letter for each position
Research the employer for recent publicity or their mission statement
Only mention your accomplishments that are relevant to the position
Keep it short – one page only
Always spell check!