Unreasonable application processes

[Motorina]

This is just a mini grumble. I'm job hunting. The current job has 12 essential characteristics, plus half a dozen desirable, of which I hit two. I need to evidence all 14 in a two page statement. Fine.

Except the application form is clear they want you to put a heading for each characteristic, then write about it specifically. To make it easier for the shortlisters. Most are two or three lines long. So that's a third of my space gone just on their headings.

14 mini paragraph-ettes, each giving evidence and examples, and how I would apply it to this role.

I appreciate they don't want to read essays, but aaargh. I could do this so much better and slicker in a standard covering letter.

(It's fine. I'll do it. Their system. I've just been drafting since 6am and I'm grumpy!)

@smooththecat no, but it's a Public Appointment and I suspect the mentality is very similar.

Think yourself lucky, though. I did similar for another role. Spent a day working on it, meet all the essential characteristics and then some. Got a friend in that field to proof it who said it was a strong application. Longlisting two weeks ago, shortlisting last week, interviews next week.

Other than the confirmation of receipt I've heard nothing, nada, zip.

Given the effort that goes into these things it does seem basic good manners to at least send out a 'thanks but no thanks' so you know. These are not entry level positions (although it would be good manners there, and could be largely automated by email), they take a lot of time and effort to apply, and I've been trying to keep the interview date free for the past 6 weeks just in case. But no...

Good luck with your search!