Apply On vs. Apply To: A Guide to Proper Usage for Businesses

As a business owner or recruiter, it's crucial to understand the correct usage of "apply on" and "apply to" when seeking new talent. This seemingly minor grammatical distinction can have a significant impact on your hiring process and overall brand reputation.

The Importance of Using the Right Term

According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), using the incorrect term can lead to:

Missed applications: Candidates may skip over job listings that use the wrong term.

Negative perceptions: Job seekers may view businesses that make grammatical errors as unprofessional.

Wasted time: Recruiters may spend unnecessary time parsing through irrelevant applications.

When to Use "Apply On"

Apply on is used when the job application process takes place on a specific platform or website. This is common for online job boards like Indeed or CareerBuilder.

Scenario	Example
Applying through the company website	"Apply on our website for more details."
Submitting an application via a job portal	"Apply on LinkedIn for this opportunity."

When to Use "Apply To"

Apply to is used when the job application is sent directly to the company. This can be done through email, mail, or a company-specific job application system.

Scenario	Example
Submitting a resume via email	"Please apply to [email protected]."
Mailing a physical application	"Apply to [Company Name] at 123 Main Street."

Success Stories

Increased Application Volume: Company X saw a 15% increase in job applications after switching to "apply on" for its online job postings.

Improved Candidate Quality: Company Y received a higher caliber of candidates after using "apply to" for its company-specific job application system.

Enhanced Employer Branding: Company Z established itself as a professional and detail-oriented employer by consistently using the correct terms.

Effective Strategies

Use clear and concise language in all job descriptions.

Proofread job listings before posting them to avoid grammatical errors.

Provide detailed instructions on where and how to apply on or apply to.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the terms interchangeably.

Using "apply at" instead of "apply to".

Providing vague or confusing application instructions.

FAQs

Q: What if the job posting mentions both "apply on" and "apply to"?

A: Contact the company directly for clarification.

Q: Is it acceptable to use both terms in the same job posting?

A: No, it's best to stick to one term throughout the posting.

Q: What's the difference between "apply" and "submit"?

A: "Apply" is generally used for job applications, while "submit" is more appropriate for requests or proposals.

Apply On vs. Apply To: A Guide to Proper Usage for Businesses