On-line applications for company based websites don't get lost in cyber space but what does happen is if you do not have the correct or enough of the keywords for a particular job, your information will not be made known to the interviewer.

So, when a company has a job opening and they go to their computer bank of applications, they will input their needs, for example, as: secretary, Wordperfect, Outlook, Excel, Lotus, Powerpoint, Transcription.

If your resume has these words in it, your information will shoot out of the machine. If your resume only has only three of the keywords that were input, it is unlikely your information will be picked. Some systems are programmed to only print the resume's and other information for applicant's who have all of the keywords selected and some systems are set up so that an application needs at least 65% of the keywords.

When you read the job description, make note of the requirements and the preferred criteria as well as the computer skills and abilities that an applicant should possess. Include these words in your resume or your on-line form.

There are also companies who, after receiving your resume in the mail or by e-mail, will scan it directly into the computer where keywords will be a factor in choosing candidates for the position.