Application form versus CV

[JaceLancs]

I am currently recruiting and struggling to get much interest
admittedly it’s only temporary contract for 6 months but pay is above average for role - very flexible working, training provided so right person or people more important than experience
The ad states no CVs but to complete a basic application form and relate it to the job description and person specification
However I’m not getting many applicants and even the ones I get just put a couple of sentences saying the equivalent of ‘give me a job’ and see my CV
On a paid specialist website I had 300+ views, of whom 4 downloaded the application info and none replied
Using a more general job search site I received 48 CVs and one bothered to complete the application form
As a charity we publicise mainly using social media and our website this has had the best response but many still don’t read the details and apply from other parts of the world - I’m flexible but not that much!
Any suggestions as to what I’m doing wrong?

You seem to have answered your own question. I would consider an application form very old fashioned. I probably wouldn’t bother.

What sort of questions are on the application form?
I think application forms are time consuming and almost like doing a first stage interview in some cases.
Requiring just a CV and then asking further questions at interview stage might be a better strategy.

Is it clear that training will be given?

When you received 48 CVs (but no application forms), were any of them suitable? I'd say 48 applicants is a high number and if none were suitable (beyond the obvious lack of comprehension skills) I'd probably change the job advertisement in some way so that you're targeting a different audience.

I’ve filled in application forms, which were so long they took hours to complete well, with no response, ever given , or acknowledgement.

One advert said application only, no CV, so I filled it in, then it asked me to attach my CV.

I once received a letter from a local government department, explaining that I hadn’t been selected for the job, six months after I’d applied, and long since given up hope.

It’s depressing.

Despite the higher salary I reckon it’s the 6 months contract. At the moment recruiting isn’t easy and that is not attractive.