To resent the length of the average job application.

[BinkyBaa]

Currently struggling to find a job despite a distinction (first) class masters degree. I'm desperate to get out of retail but I'll honestly take anything that pays just enough to cover rent at this point.

The thing that's really getting me down is that nowhere seems to want a CV and a cover letter anymore. Everything takes a series of tedious drop down boxes to put in qualifications and experience, followed by pages of rephrased "why should we give you this job?" boxes. Theres generally a quiz or three too. Every time I think I've gotten a quick application, theres a "please take 90 minutes to fill in this questionnaire" waiting in my emails.

It took me 4 hours to apply for aldi, who rejected me without feedback 2 days later.

Aibu to think it shouldn't take so long to apply for jobs that are just going to automatically filter me out anyway?

It’s awful. I’m glad you’re getting some constructive suggestions here but really just came to say I sympathize. Almost all applications are a multi-stage process & that’s before you get to the multi stage interview. It’s a filtering exercise.

If you are doing multiple applications it can take a huge amount of time with nothing back in return! Not even an acknowledgement. One thing that I did find made a difference was paying a small amount to have my resume & LinkedIn profile professionally written. It was a small investment that led to more calls.

I would use a recruitment agency, even if you don’t know what you want to do. I’ve never got anywhere with applications like this and I struggle with handwriting so the forms are almost illegible by the time I’m finished. I’ve never had to do this going through an agency.

I have just got a new job. The application took HOURS. At the interview they thanked me for taking the time to do it which I thought was a nice acknowledgement of the effort it takes.

We run apprenticeship courses and the application is long due to all the bloody government regulations we have to adhere to. If we don't we are pulled from the apprenticeship register. Probably the same in retail etc.

@BinkyBaa

Yes, they do which is why I wrote it. It may surprise you, but it’s particularly true in cases where applicants have very little experience so they think adding padding helps.

I agree an 8 page application for a retail post is excessive, but I do think asking a candidate to complete a section articulating why their skills are relevant to the post’s job description and people spec isn’t unreasonable.

As Pp’s have said, these can often be re-used as they are fine-tuned to various roles.

I hope you have success in your job-hunting. It’s an anxious time.