Soooo disappointed in job applications!

[SnowfallSnowball]

Hi
I am currently shortlisting for a role and the level of applications are so disappointing. I totally understand that nowadays applications are a task in themselves but if you’re not going to take the time to read the application guidance, JD and PS why bother applying at all?

I have already seen a high number of people who have just wrote a cover letter and attached their CV when we specify no CV’s and to write a supporting statement abiding by items on the PS. Many of these applicants are already in a job so they must have applied properly to posts in the past, I don’t get it!

Any other recruiters have these issues?

Sorry, am I reading that right: you don't want to see people's CV?

I haven't been it the position for a while but it was soul destroying sometimes to see how people applied for jobs even when completing the application form. Like they fail to recognise that its their opportunity to tell you how they are the best fit for the role in their own words.

Hope you get some that are worth it!

@GingerBrod no, we use an online application process where applicants are meant to submit a personal statement based on what is on the person spec, sending just your CV when we specify not to is just lazy, especially when they don’t write anything else! It’s frustrating! :(

I think it’s a big ask to request a personal supporting statement.

In my industry (law) there are simply not enough candidates with the desired qualifications and those that do exist are often interviewing with multiple others.

Good candidates neither want nor need to write endless bullshit. Their qualifications and employment history all speak for themselves and are what will get them through the door. The interview is not about establishing skills or experience, it’s about establishing whether they fit on a personal level.

How much info do you give about the job? Ie do you give salary info and a detailed job description?

Personally I will only consider filling in a detailed application if the above is supplied as otherwise I could easily be automatically be rejected for asking for too much money.

As it is I still would often not bother as I can apply to many jobs in my field every week with a tailored cover letter and cv which is probably a better use of my time and ultimately when the market is this competitive it’s a numbers game to start with.

Everything I've applied for over the last 10 years has been online application- no cvs. Similarly I assist with sifting applications at my current employer and we are application form only too.

Tbh it's a very easy first sift. No application form, no progress.

For education it is a necessary requirement to have an application form and a statement. The application to provide specific information which is used for safeguarding checks.

The statement is also needed as often candidates can come from outside education and therefore skills may be transferrable rather than specific to the role - otherwise (for example) candidates for a teaching assistant role who've just completed their training, but who have masses of volunteer transfer skills would completely miss out.

It took my friend six hours to craft a public sector job application a few weeks ago to tailor it to the job and person specification. That’s not unusual if you want to do it ‘properly’ but it’s a really big ask on applicants if they already have jobs and busy lives. It’s them really disheartening if you don’t get shortlisted and don’t hear a peep back. I can understand why people resort to sending CVs sometimes.

CVS certainly seem to be a thing of the past. That said job applications are very time consuming.

Sounds like there is a problem with your application process if so many people are getting it "wrong".

Job centres put targets for applications on jobseekers. The number of applications I get for professional jobs from completely unqualified folk who don’t even bother answering a single question is staggering.

@ANutAsBigAsABoulder

It took my friend six hours to craft a public sector job application a few weeks ago to tailor it to the job and person specification. That’s not unusual if you want to do it ‘properly’ but it’s a really big ask on applicants if they already have jobs and busy lives. It’s them really disheartening if you don’t get shortlisted and don’t hear a peep back. I can understand why people resort to sending CVs sometimes.

Ugh, this is the thing that always pissed me off so much when I was job hunting. Spending hours completing an application form/ person specification, and then hearing absolutely nothing back. Not even a generic/ automated email.

Anyway, how clear are the instructions on the job advert?

Is it just a wall of text? Is there clear defined sections?

Some job adverts I have come across have been shockingly bad and difficult to read.

@PegasusReturns I can understand that if that is what is done in the Law field, but it just makes me wonder then why people bother to put in an application in the first place, that’s all.

I think you're probably advertising in the wrong place or wording the advert wrong. There will be a few people who are just thick or can't be arsed but if it's that many you really have to assume there's a problem with the source of the applications.

If you are certain that you're being absolutely clear about how to apply just chuck out the ones who do it wrong. No need to be all aghast at the state of applicants today, it's not going to make you feel better about the world.

@gingerbiscuit19

CVS certainly seem to be a thing of the past. That said job applications are very time consuming.

This is just not true at all!

Sometimes the application is for a VERY good reason.

Our advert usually says something like, "please use the statement section to indicate how your current skills and abilities match the person specification shown in the attached document"

I can guarantee that at least 40% of the applications only say things like "I'd like to work in a school because the hours fit my childcare"; and the application which says provide your full employment history (minimum 10 years or back to school if you've been working for less than 10 years) with reasons for periods of unemployment, and it's got one job.

If they ask for feedback, they get it from me, if they contact us before they get guidance.

If you want to work in a school, the applications are (mostly) in the same format so you just adapt it.

However, we have to check things VERY carefully because I certainly don't want to be the person employing someone who MAY be a risk to your child. I care about my pupils and my responsibility to them too much.

@Trisolaris yup totally clear, salary, JD and PS.

Similarly to you I’d only apply where these things are specified and where I have an amount I’d require, so I’m not sure why the level of applications are what they are! I’ll admit that they are a faff though!

My experience has been the same over recent months. I think we naively thought there would be lots of talented people looking for work, but I think a lot of people are staying on furlough or staying put.

The quality of applications received has been unusually poor, with the majority of candidates not having many, if any, of the essential criteria.

We've even used specialist agencies where we have failed to appoint and have still struggled.

Have you checked whether people have issues in completing the statements online whether it’s IT compatibility issues or crashes before data is saved so people think “just fuck it”?

@ANutAsBigAsABoulder yes I’ve had this as well, so annoying when you put so much effort in. Interesting to be on the other side though.

@SerenShine same, agree that naivety has definitely played a part.

Don’t get me wrong I realise applications are long, I even mentioned this to the recruiting manager but the guidance is very clear and specifies what we will/will not accept.

Hopefully we’ll end up with some good candidates though! Did you manage to find some to interview at least?

@ThePlantsitter it’s on our website, LinkedIn, Guardian website.

You’re right, I guess just seeing them all in one sitting it’s just frustrating 🤷🏾‍♀️

... people who have just wrote...

I work freelance and part time on contracts so do lots of job applications! I personally find recruiters want rediculous amount from applicants.

I recently applied for a role where their person spec was 5 pages long. It was in columns so I don't mean 5 pages of all text. But still!

So I'd reflect on how precise and relevant the person spec was. How clear was the ask? As if everyone is messing it up then perhaps its an issue the these things rather than the applicants?

@SpringRainbow it’s very clear, there’s also separate guidance but I don’t think it’s being read by some.

I had a similar experience to you with completing applications and getting zero response, so disappointing especially with the amount of time and effort it takes. I mean do employers think we are doing this for a jolly!