I'm applying to new grad roles for 2018 now and have completed several internships, but I'm wondering if just using the online application (for companies like Airbnb, Uber, Lyft) is a good idea, and if companies even look at online applications.
Guaranteed, you were at ducking FB
Someone from HR may sift through them but unless your's really stands out its unlikely to get you a job. Your time is much better spent fiding people on LinkedIn that currently work there and asking them to refer you to a specific open role. Start with anyone you know or have a connection with, then go to people from the same schools you've attended, etc. Good luck!
If you need a referral there are plenty of people here who will refer you. Most companies give a referral bonus, so if you have great qualifications, people will be dying to refer you
They 100% absolutely look at your application. I did not ask for referrals from anyone and I’ve gotten call backs. You just need to keyword stuff your resume to match the position you want. Unfortunately, the only thing you cannot know is a lot of the job postings out there are for already filled positions. :( also the more generic the job posting (like Facebook, Uber, etc..) the more you need to know someone from a specific team...google doesn’t seem to care I’ve always gotten an interview with them...
Well you have experience with Facebook so that name recognition should help. Cold email recruiters or alumni at companies you are interested. Their job is literally to hire people, so recruiters won’t be offended. Also, LinkedIn makes it really easy to find people working for a company that went to your school. For some reason, people have a soft spot for helping out a fellow alumnus or former colleague.