to get frustrated by this?

[HomityBabbityPie]

I'm leaving my current job and assisting with the recruitment of my replacement. I really care about my boss and the role so really want to get someone good.

I'm really shocked by the quality of the applications. We've had 35 so far and of those maybe only 2 are even vaguely interviewable. The vast majority have just sent in a CV, ignoring the fact the job ad specifically requests that an application form should be filled out. Of those who have filled out the application form, most haven't bothered to fill in the personal statement part where you are meant to state how you meet the person specification. Of those who have filled it in, it's just a small generic paragraph.

Do they not teach this in schools any more?!

I'd be shocked if we got as many as 6 the way it's looking. Deadline is tomorrow!

My sector always expects set form to be filled in and a personal statement.

Employers have to show fairness so a set form ensures the same opportunities for each candidate to get across the info the employer requires and the personal statement gives a candidate the chance to demonstrate how they meet the person spec.

It's not rocket science but op that does sound depressing and lazy. Don't get me wrong, I hate filling them in but I don't like interviews either, even so they're necessary to get a job!

One of the personal statements: "I believe I am right for this job because I meet the person specification"

That's it. No explanation of how.

I wonder if they're applying through an online site such as Indeed using the 'apply now' button which automatically sends your CV? Seems strange for so many to ignore it.

I applied for all my recent jobs through NHS as mentioned by a PP so don't have much recent experience of this, seems incredibly lazy though. Especially when it's specifically asked for.

Is it a minimum wage job or manual labour?
My parents get terrible cvs but the roles are manual so spelling isn't important. It's customer facing so polite, friendly, honest and able to follow simple instructions was all they need (I say "all" that's hard to find. In my sector accurate spelling is essential.

We haven't advertised on indeed or anything like that, all applications have to come directly via our website.

And no it's a job requiring a degree and it's pretty well paid for what it is, above sector average.

I realise I left a ) off but I'm not at work so please don't proof my posts 😂

It's also not that hard to cut and paste the relevant items from your CV into application forms.

If it asks for the form - fill in the form.

If it asks for a letter - send the letter.

Why will anyone employ a person who can't follow basic instructions?
Applicants - if you want the job just check you are applying in the manner requested or you might as well not bother. You will give the impression that you think you are too important if you just send your CV in when there is a specific application form.

It's not rocket science.

We use an application form, it is designed to ensure we cannot fail to get a proper employment history, with dates and no gaps. It also is put together to eliminate the possibility of bias or discrimination more easily e.g. no date of birth and no mention of hobbies etc.

You can say 'people will assume they'll cover this bit in their interview', but if a job advertisement asks for specific things, you give them those specific things. It doesn't signpost that you'll be a competent employee if you can't fulfill the first basic thing that is asked of you.

Yanbu

Also why would we bother asking someone to interview who hadn't bothered showing they met the requirements of the job? Would be a total waste of their time and ours.

I think a lot of job applications are just people applying so the job centre continues to pay their jobseekers.

That happens in my job anyway, probably only 10% of applicants are genuine

YANBU.
I'd much prefer to complete a form asking me specifics.
Although I do also have a 'skills based' CV that's great for copying and pasting/tweaking so my CV is specific for that role.

Re. Cover letters /personal statements; we were taught to do this is school 20 years ago, I would always send one unless applying via a website form thingy.

If the job ad specifically asked for it its ridiculous people haven't included one.

In regard to the application form or cover letter, have you checked to see that if the job is advertised on a job site etc your original ad is accurately represented?
Most job websites not only do not request a covering letter, they make it impossible to attach one. They say something like "Good news, this recruiter does not need a cover letter, click here to submit your CV"
And yes I do spend time tailoring my CV for the specific role
There have been several occasions where I have applied online, called the agency to say "Hi, I just applied online and I'd like to submit a cover letter to support my application" and I get told the role never existed in the first place is no longer available or was filled internally.
If the overwhelming majority of applicants fall at the first hurdle then perhaps they are simply useless or perhaps the requirements for applying are not adequately communicated.

It's on one other website but when you click "apply" it takes you straight to our website to download the application form.

Chicken is right. I remember from recruiting several years ago, 50% of applications went straight in the bin. They'd clearly come from people who were just going through the motions.

YANBU specifically, but in general it's incredibly annoying that jobs expect you to fill out endless application form and write personalised letters when you're applying for multiple roles.

I never even apply to roles that require anything more than a CV these days, my sector is competitive enough that a CV is enough though.

You're right to expect people to only apply if they can do what you ask.

But YABU to expect to get lots of high quality applications. A lot of high quality applicants won't bother with the faff.

That should read "my sector is uncompetitive", i.e. more jobs than candidates.

Ok cool just occurred to me that recruiters don't always see what the process looks like from the other side.
In that case I wish you a late flurry of excellent applicants.

Alyosha what sector? Cheers

I have never applied for a job that didn't require an application form. All ask for you to show how you meet the essential skills and experience.

If you can't even read the instructions on how to apply for a job then how on earth can you think you are suitable for interview.

Recipients of job seekers allowance and universal credit can be required to spend something like 40 hours a week looking for and applying for jobs. I can just about see how you can do that in week 1, but not every single week. I think it's where a lot if crap applications come from.

FMCG Category Management.