To think Job applications are unnecessary and extra

[Shannyfanny]

I literally have spent the whole day completing two applications. Why can't I just send my CV and a cover letter, it says exactly the same thing as I will write on the application form it is just more effort.
It has made me not even want to bother apply for anything with an application form again, it is just extra.

And what is it with jobs asking for a photo, does it matter what I look like? I really didn't spend my time in college and uni to be judged on my looks, I am not going for a modelling contract.

[ilovesooty]

Quite a lot of companies don't accept CV s and obviously a cover letter would need to be tailored to the job specification - I assume you're having to write a statement?

I'm with you on the photo thing. Why you should have to produce that I really don't know.

[myownprivateidaho]

God yeah what a faff. The worst. If you're looking for a serious answer it's to standardise the applications to make them easier to compare and to whittle down the applications to people who can be bothered to fill on the form. Photos - I think it is so they can remember you when they discuss you after the interview. But if you're going for pa or receptionist jobs it wouldn't surprise me if they took looks into account.

[FuzzyOwl]

The photo is to make sure the person who turns up for the interview/testing is the same one who turns up for work, if given the job.

As for the applications, it is a good way of making sure someone is committed for the role advertised and not just sending a non specific cv and covering letter to every job going.

[JaceLancs]

I'm not sure what jobs you are applying for, but when I advertise for staff I am frequently surprised how many people do not consider the job description or person specification when completing application forms or tailoring cvs
If you do not meet the essential criteria and score badly on the desirable ones you will not be considered for interview

[EveryoneElsie]

The photo one does not make sense. They could just take a digital photo of everyone at the interview stage to check the same person turns up for the job.

[branofthemist]

No one I know has written their own CV. Or they have had it double and triple checked and edited. People rarely tailor it to the job they are applying for.

Most people don't get their job applications double and triple checked and are more likely to be written by the person applying.

It's a faff, but they are cutting down the work they do at their side.

[Gileswithachainsaw]

Oh god yes. I mean the amount if times I've gone to drop off a CV only to be handed an application firm asking the exact quiet ions I've already answered on my nicely printed out CV is beyond me.

I don't know what the difference is I really don't.

[Fredmitten]

As above - with 30/40 applications the ability to read through an application form that directly relates to the job/person spec makes short listing quicker and fairer. CVs never quite as likely to hit the mark. Make the shortlister's life easier in any way you can

[DebCee]

It's so they can easily compare like with like. By having a standard form they make sure they have all the details they need, and that there are no dodgy areas lurking in the spaces between what you have chosen to include.

I think it's fair enough to expect you to do a bit of work - you are asking then to employ you. And it is likely to rule out most time wasters.

You will get quicker at it, the more you do.

[Mouikey]

As someone who has had to go through 40/50 applications for a single job and whittle it down to 6 or 7 for interview having a standardised application form makes a lot of difference. It also means applicants have to taylor their experience to the job on offer. Our application forms are often accompanied by generic CV's that tell us nothing about how they, their skills, knowledge and experience fits the job on offer.
With the job market as it is competition is high... not doubt many of the applicants would be quite capable of undertaking the job, but employers want people who want to be there and make an effort.
In terms of the photo, I didn't think they could ask for that these days (they certainly couldn't prove that they hadn't discriminated if they did surely???).
Finally, the best way to secure an interview is to look at the Personal Spec and taylor your application/CV to meet ALL the essential criteria, not just some of them.

[Casperthefriendlyspook]

Yep. I do a LOT of interviewing. If you've not addressed the criteria, I don't care how nice your cv is. With 40-50 applications for each role, I'm not spending my evening trying to find the info buried in your cv. Sorry!

[Mrscog]

Agree with everything that's been said. As a shortlister, I especially like the personal statements where people copy out the person spec and write a paragraph under each one about how they fit it.

Hate the personal statements where they've crafted 1-2 pages of how they meet the person spec but it's all mixed up in lovely prose. It needs to be perfect english, and make sense, but it just needs to outline how you meet the criteria and nothing more!