On-line application forms

[condor]

I've just spent a few hours filling in an on-line job application. There were a lot of essay style questions which took up a considerable amount of time. When I go to submit them, probably taken me 2 hours to answer, I've been timed out. Pressing the back button just gives me a webpage expired.
In effect, I've wasted those few hours.

What I'd like to suggest to those people that think asking loads of questions which require essay type responses, is to either - let people applying know that the website will log you out after 30 minutes or however long. Suggest you save your comments after a certain time...or not ask so many questions!
Alternatively, suggest you download the application form and then submit it when completed.

Anyone else want to grumble/moan about on-line applications?

[zaphod42]

Surely you'd be better typing answers into Word first, so that you can proof read and spell check first?

[condor]

If I'd known the questions beforehand I wouldn't have spent so long thinking up answers
A hint perhaps that it's a good idea to note all the essay style questions, work out your answers and write elsewhere e.g notepad...then copy and paste them in.

[RemainAllHoof]

Annoying!

One advantage of using Word is that you can save it if you get bored (likely).

[mph1977]

RemainAllHoof said:

Annoying!

One advantage of using Word is that you can save it if you get bored (likely).

yep i've various parts of he material needed to fill in an online application pre-prepared and saved - especially as papper apps in the NHS are very very rare these days thanks to the NHSjobs webportal thingymebob

[kiethton]

Try and keep them all in the one document and save them after each application. It is amazing how many companies ask the same questions.......