Application Packs - a ploy?!

[AravisTarkheena]

Are fiddly application packs a deliberate ploy to make sure only the most dedicated actually send in an application?

I'm applying for jobs (I know) and I feel like I am genuinely put off a school because it has THE WORST FORMATTED APPLICATION FORM I'VE EVER SEEN. Which is saying something as I've seen some bad ones previously.

What is the reason a school will advertise on tes but shun quick apply?

I know EXACTLY what you mean. I'm looking for jobs too and each school has a different form so you can't even copy and paste that easily. It's an absolute nightmare, it takes me forever to fill in an application!

I remember when I was applying for jobs, some application packs were fine and others were, as you say, an absolute nightmare!

It's about 10 years since I was applying for an NQT position and I started filling in a Catholic Education Service form for a school and gave up when I struggled to even enter my personal details!

I am an ex-teacher looking to join the police force. I cannot tell you how rubbish and fiddly the application forms (multiple - several stages) have been for my local police force.

I do indeed feel like it's a deliberate test of my patience and adaptability. I'd hope it's that and not just a woefully bad grasp of technology.

Honestly? I think it’s a poor grasp of administration and technology combined with lack of empathy for the applicant.

It’s definitely not deliberately orchestrated as a test.

I was an NQT 10 years ago, when you still applied to LA ‘pools’. My favourite application form was the one you had to fill in by hand and it stated you would be judged on your handwriting.

Quick apply is awful as a school. The data you get back is in a crap format and it encourages people to apply just because all they have to do is a quick apply. They’ve given it no thought,

I don't think it's designed to be tricky BUT I do think it's designed so you can't copy and paste between applications. Which drove me mad when I was job hunting, having to start from scratch each time.

My school's one is a shambles. I wish I could change it and make it easier to fill in/more streamlined as I'm sure we would get more applications. However when I said as such to the Head he made a comment along the lines of 'well if they can't be bothered to fill out the form we don't want them anyway'.

I don't think it's deliberate but I quite like it if it's a job I really want, must reduce the competition!

Agree!