What should I do to follow up on my online job applications?

Do retail companies or stores actually look and get the online applications that people fill up?

• I want to apply for several retail jobs in my community,but am quite scared about what i have heard from people concerning online applications.A lot of people say,these managers dont even look at these websites,others say they already have a protocol list that they will pick,some say its a matter of luck,others,you have to know somebody in there.Of all these,i want to know if applying online is advisable?(Most of these stores am appying dont have paper applications in their stores and always direct you to go online.Is online application filling up safe and advisable for a possible job? Also after the application,what can i do to be sure of getting the job,in terms of follow ups,calls etc? What if i dont get access to talk to the hiring manager,how do i know the status of my application? When is the right season/period for applying retail jobs?

• Answer:

  Online apps are the worst way of getting a retail job, unless that's the only way to do it. The best way of getting any job is by impressing a manager. Just go down to the store, and ask to see the dept. manager or team leader of the dept. you want to work in. They have the most influence in your job acceptance. Otherwise you're just another application on a foot-high pile of apps. Also on your app. make sure you put applicable experience on it concerning job desired, versus simply previous jobs. That's how they pickem out of the pile is if they see experience. Even if you lie a little, it'll get you in the door where you can make an impression.