I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: don’t force jobseekers to fill in long application forms.
An extremely bright and talented Phd told me the other day that he’d not applied to graduate training schemes just because the application processes were so long (he’s just got a great job via networking with people in his chosen industry).
Remember, many jobseekers won’t bother completing your marathon application forms. Those that do will just end up being frustrated and annoyed with you.
For example, take a look at the results of a poll we’re running on our Career Development pages:
“How long do you spend filling out a job application form?”
- 5-10 minutes
5.6% - 10-30 minutes
4.3% - Up to one hour
15.5% - Half a day
36.5% - All day
16.3% - Longer
21.9%
Take a look at that last figure!
Almost 22% of respondents take longer than a day to complete an application form! A whole day?
Something is wrong here isn’t it – don’t you think?
It’s not just because application forms are so long. I’ve known people who fill all their forms in from scratch, even though they’re often applying for similar jobs.
I found it effective to focus not on individual application forms, but to build a set of tools to use in a variety of different areas.
For instance, I spent a couple of days concentrating hard on writing quality personal statement material that could quickly be amended, rather than fully written each time. That saved hours on applications and ensured I was communicating the right strengths well each time.
It also helped to keep my CV up to date. Even if employers don’t want CVs submitted, the majority of what ends up on an application is highlighted on a CV (including key points). An up to date CV takes a few minutes to amend each time. It’s a lot more difficult to update it after several years with the same recruiter and numerous life changes.
Some app forms are far too long, yes. But it’s rare. Personally, it’s the restrictions on references, or requests for too many referees that causes me most issue. I’m less inclined to apply for one of those jobs, especially if it’s not in keeping with expectations. I’ve seen basic part-time clerical appointments that require three references and at least one academic referee. How is that strictly relevant? I don’t wish to waste the time of several contacts unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Okay, lengthy comment over!
Hello Martin
Thanks for the comment. You make some great points and useful suggestions.
When I say that application forms are too long I mean that they’re too long if the information isn’t used.
Time and time again I’ve seen information gathered from applicants on forms that is then not used or even read. This begs the question, if you’re not going to evaluate the information provided, then why are you gathering it in the first place?
Andrew
Yes, yes a thousand times yes. Applications have such a low hit rate that it’s just ridiculous to invest that much effort. CV and covering letter. Long form with compatibly questions in the context of the job AND a covering letter is what interviews are for. It’s already a very asymmetric relationship, on the employer happily wasting the applicants time, in the first place.