Online job applications, good or bad?

1. 79

   brimancandyposted 13 years ago

   I have been out of work for over a year now, and, I am getting very tired of filling out online job applications. I think it is a totally worthless system, with a sole purpose of eliminating more jobs.
   
   Where thousands of people may have had to sift through hundreds applications, it can now all be done on a computer in a couple minutes. Cutting the jobs of people who may have been involved in the hiring process at those companies.
   
   It used to be that paper applications went to an employer, and they actually had to read each and every application. Now, I have a feeling that the entire process is done by a computer. As most online applications will not accept anything more than a fill in the dot answer. Meaning that management will never see the application of a qualified applicant, because the computer only searches for applications that have the answers the employer is looking for, and the person wanting a position is secondary.
   
   I was once at Walmart filling out an online application, and the computer crashed five times while I was filling it out. They sent me their manager in charge of hiring to help me fill out the application, and the computer crashed again, while she was helping me.
   
   I said, you know we could avoid all this right now, give me a paper application, and I will fill it out in a couple minutes, and you could interview me today. She just looked at me and said, nor sir you have to fill out an online application. I just looked at her and said thanks for you help...but no thanks.
   
   I spent almost 3 hours on that computer, on a task that should take less than 10 minutes. It makes me wonder where these applications go? Who actually sees them, and decides who gets picked for an interview and why?
   
   I think it is very sad. I'll bet a lot of qualified individuals are being kicked out by the computer based on various application fields, like education, and age. They will tell you they don't discriminate, but, I guess they don't have to, since their computers are already doing that for them.
   
   What are your thoughts on this? Does anyone have an idea on where all these online applications end up? I have heard rumors that one company outsources their hiring to another company, and that company only kicks back applications that meet their computerised requirements.
   
   I think it's very sad, and probably the same reason why so many people are still out of work. Because the computers aren't giving everyone an equal chance at getting a job.

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2. 64

   Money Glitchposted 13 years ago

   Sounds like you have the makings to a good hub here.
   
   I can relate very well with how you feel.  Had the same experience for a little over a year; as well.  I will share with you something I discovered right before I found a job and this will make you furious and rant even more....
   
   "Because there are so many applications going through the online databases, now-a-days resumes are being erased, dumped, and systems changed more often.  Went to apply for a position at a company that I have already completed their 2 hour application process; ONLY to discover that instead of holding my resume for 6 months like they stated previously, they changed their system and dumped all the previous applications in 3 months.  Ran across this trick quite often." 
   
   Again you have the makings of a good hub, with the right keywords. Good luck to you!

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3. 68

   travelespressoposted 13 years ago

   I agree with you. 
   
   What irks me most is that the information is required in a different way by every different company so every time you complete one it takes absolutely ages.  If you don't have the information which is sometimes obscure (like which school did you attend when you were five), the entire application has to be scrapped and along with that the job.
   
   I don't know what the answer is (aside from changing the system) but keep on going with it.  There's a job out there for you!
   
   I also agree with Money Glitch, your experience would make a great hub.

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4. 79

   brimancandyposted 13 years ago

   Another thing I don't like, is that, some of the applications require your email address. I applied for work at both Bestbuy and Walmart, and I started receiving emails from them just days after filling out my application.
   
   None of them offering me work, but, they certainly had no problem sending me junk mail, and their latest sales adds, and credit card offers. The thing I like least about that, is that you can't complete the application without checking certain boxes that give them permission to flood your email with junk.
   
   A did recently receive an email from the Casino, and, have been told that I may be able to arrange an interview! That's great news, because that is the type of job I am looking for! I will be getting back to them first thing in the morning!

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