Learn how to shake someone’s hand properly, look them in the eyes, stand up straight and answer any questions they ask confidently — advice my mom gives me as I prepare to go apply for jobs.

I walk in, fully confident and prepared and ask for an application. They write down a website for me to visit and tell me to fill out the online application. This happens three more times, in and out, never getting the chance to shake someone’s hand or answer the questions they ask.

Chapman Career Counselor Luke Black says that online applications are being used more and more.

“It’s the easiest way for the employers to get the most qualified applicants possible.” Black said.

Although it’s sometimes frustrating, all you can do is be prepared.

“Have your resume built first,” he said. “It will help you stay organized on the questions that the application asks. Your resume and application should mirror each other.”

However, as a student with no work history applying for first jobs, this is very challenging.

“Talk of your character, work ethic, and emotional intelligence,” Black said.

Emotional intelligence is something everyone needs to be informed on and familiar with because employers want their employees to contain this trait.

“It says that you’re a good person, well-rounded and have great soft skills — something everyone looks for in another person,” Black said.

Although I don’t get a chance to shake their hand or answer any questions right off the bat, I’m confident in my resume now that I have taken this advice and I just hope for interviews where I can reflect everything that my resume says.