'Fussy' job application processes

[KAgantua]

Hello.

I am currently looking to move on to a new role and am using indeed, etc.

I have noticed that about 20% or so of the jobs I apply for want you to go to their website, and enter all the infromation from your CV into their little system.

The rest just want your email address, and CV.

I am not bothering with the former types, as my time is limited. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

[limpsfield]

KAgantua said:

I am not bothering with the former types, as my time is limited. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

You’ll never know!

[Gary29]

Can't be 'bothered' to fill out an application form for a job, speaks for itself really.

[anonymous-user]

Gary29 said:

Can't be 'bothered' to fill out an application form for a job, speaks for itself really.

Hmmm, possibly good for the Companies to have some fall at the first hurdle. No need to waste time on the ones looking for an easy life.

[cat with a hat]

Depends how laborious it is, but only you can decide whether your time is more valuable..

[DanL]

KAgantua said:

I am not bothering with the former types, as my time is limited. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

Depends how you feel your CV stacks up against the opposition. If you can’t be bothered to apply to these jobs, chances are there are others who feel the same. As a result, you’ll be competing against fewer people for these particular roles if you do apply...

My sympathy is with you, by the way. I’m happy in my current role, but from time to time I’m sent a job that looks interesting via LinkedIn. I might apply speculatively if it’s easy to do so, but I don’t bother if I have to copy / paste from my CV into various boxes as I’m not seriously looking to move.

[TIGA84]

KAgantua said:

Hello.

I am currently looking to move on to a new role.

I am not bothering with the former types, as my time is limited.

Yeah I always find the best candidates are the ones that can't be fked to do what a potential employer has spent ages creating so everyone gets a fair crack of the whip for a job, a good experience throughout the selection process and hopefully a pay increase and some opportunity.

Your time isn't limited, you're just not serious.

[redddraggon]

It's a good filter for applicants. It always annoyed me, but if I was genuinely interested in the role I jump through their hoops. Some people will just sit on Monster or CV library clicking "Submit CV" for all sorts of random jobs.

[boyse7en]

Some application processes do take the mick though...
I once applied for a position at the DVLA and spent almost four hours going through an excruciatingly management-speak online questionnaire. Complete waste of time. If I'd known it was so long I wouldn't have bothered applying.

[mcg_]

I've applied for a couple of jobs with websites like this.

If I'm able to attach my CV, I don't bother filling out the boxes.

Currently waiting on a contract for a job, I'm sure it was as above...

[thecremeegg]

TIGA84 said:

Yeah I always find the best candidates are the ones that can't be fked to do what a potential employer has spent ages creating so everyone gets a fair crack of the whip for a job, a good experience throughout the selection process and hopefully a pay increase and some opportunity.

Your time isn't limited, you're just not serious.

Bit unfair? If anything it's laziness on the employers part as they can't be bothered to read CVs, they'd rather just get someone else/software to scan their own boxes for key words. I've given up on applications before as why spend a few hours typing out information for a 1 in 1000 chance you might get an interview - I think my time is more valuable!

[Jim the Sunderer]

A job web zone said:

Application Forms must be completed and please note that Curriculum Vitae's (CV's) will not be accepted.

Perhaps it's because I tried entering the jobs market in 2009 but these things give me the right hump.

[paul789]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Indeed - strange phenomena; assessment days or case studies run by people called Lorraine who invariably come from the Midlands and smell of fake tan. Horrid. Work the network; that is all.

[Beanbob]

Jim the Sunderer said:

A job web zone said:

Application Forms must be completed and please note that Curriculum Vitae's (CV's) will not be accepted.

Perhaps it's because I tried entering the jobs market in 2009 but these things give me the right hump.

A requirement in several sectors, mine included. Agree it's a faff.

[otherman]

I've had a few experiences on the other side of the fence. Some jobs get hundreds of applications from people who just mass mail their CV, and those all hit the bin pretty fast.

OP, if you're applying for so many jobs, I suggest a better approach is to narrow down to your applications to a very small number, and put real effort into them. Read the spec, do some research, mod you CV to suit the job and write a quality covering letter that shows you know something about it. People who do that are the ones who get jobs.

[SystemParanoia]

otherman said:

I've had a few experiences on the other side of the fence. Some jobs get hundreds of applications from people who just mass mail their CV, and those all hit the bin pretty fast.

OP, if you're applying for so many jobs, I suggest a better approach is to narrow down to your applications to a very small number, and put real effort into them. Read the spec, do some research, mod you CV to suit the job and write a quality covering letter that shows you know something about it. People who do that are the ones who get jobs.

doesnt work.

you'll get ignored just the same as if you shotgunned your CV all over the place

[Beetnik]

As a (potential) employer we only accept applications via a web form.
Means we

• only get serious applicants
• get all the information we want
• don't get the information we don't want
• get a consistent format - e.g. if I want to compare qualifications they're 1/3rd the way down page 2 etc.
• give applicants a level playing field

[48Valves]

thecremeegg said:

TIGA84 said:

Yeah I always find the best candidates are the ones that can't be fked to do what a potential employer has spent ages creating so everyone gets a fair crack of the whip for a job, a good experience throughout the selection process and hopefully a pay increase and some opportunity.

Your time isn't limited, you're just not serious.

Bit unfair? If anything it's laziness on the employers part as they can't be bothered to read CVs, they'd rather just get someone else/software to scan their own boxes for key words. I've given up on applications before as why spend a few hours typing out information for a 1 in 1000 chance you might get an interview - I think my time is more valuable!

Wouldn't it just be easier to copy/paste from your CV. If you are really that botherd, jusr watch one less box set episode or go to bed an hour later than usual one evening.

[cat with a hat]

I think another question is.... How many jobs are you applying for?

Some people seem to use the machine gun method and apply to a st load of vaguely relevant jobs with a generic CV, badly.

I prefer the 'sniping' approach where I apply for a couple of highly relevant jobs with a tailored CV (or cut down version) and so far I've had good success at getting interviews or offers.

[otherman]

cat with a hat said:

I think another question is.... How many jobs are you applying for?

Some people seem to use the machine gun method and apply to a st load of vaguely relevant jobs with a generic CV, badly.

I prefer the 'sniping' approach where I apply for a couple of highly relevant jobs with a tailored CV (or cut down version) and so far I've had good success at getting interviews or offers.

Exactly what I said. But it was explained to me that it's wrong and you're better of just blamming round the CV. Then you get ignored with less effort.