Navigating the Online Job Application Process

Online Job Applications: What’s the Point?

Scroll down to read more!

Online Job Applications: What’s the Point?

Scroll down to read more!
Navigating the Online Job Application Process

Table of Contents

Why do you have to fill out online job applications? Shouldn’t your resume be enough? Why not just send a link to your LinkedIn profile? Companies should just Google you and make a hiring decision, right? Not quite. Well, at least not yet for most employers.

Online employment applications have been called “black holes” by some and there is much advice on how to avoid them. At the end of the day — for better or worse — many employers still require that you complete theirs.

So, what’s the point?

By filling out the application, you become a bona fide job applicant and can be considered for current job openings. Many companies use online applications that are linked to back-end applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems are in place for a few reasons. For example, they:

  1. Become a searchable database of interested job seekers.
  2. Help recruiters store and manage candidate information.
  3. Allow hiring teams to send candidate communications.
  4. Give recruiters and HR leaders access to important hiring data.
  5. Help companies ensure compliance with federal regulations.

NOT ALL APPLICATIONS ARE CREATED EQUAL

Some online job applications may take five minutes to complete, while others could take up to half an hour or more. Some might allow you to upload a resume which then pre-fills fields (called “parsing”). Some might allow you to login in with a social media account. Others may include screening questions in addition to the application fields. Regardless, give yourself plenty of time to thoughtfully complete your applications. Filling out several applications during your lunch break may be wishful thinking.

TO GET A JOB, YOU’VE GOT TO APPLY

I’ve seen some job seekers complain about having to fill out job applications during chats. Some have even admitted to not applying at all because they thought the application was too long. While I can absolutely understand the desire for a quick and easy apply method …

I can’t help but wonder … 

If you’re unemployed or otherwise in the job search, and you’ve found a great job with a company that you want to work for, why would you not fill out the application? Those 30 minutes could change your entire future and put you on a path toward career success! It’s not like we’re living in the 1980s and 90s when you first had to drive to a place of employment, pick up and then fill out a paper application.

While filling out applications may seem archaic, inconvenient and a complete waste of time, there are actually good reasons for their existence. My advice is to be thorough when completing online job applications; don’t leave blank fields or enter “see resume.”  Often times, it’s the information within your application that an HR representative uses to determine whether you meet the job requirements. The information that you enter is all a recruiter may have to go on when deciding whether or not to call you.

A job – a career – is a pretty big deal.

Filling out an application may just be time well spent.

 

How much time do you spend filling out applications?

Did you like this post? Share it!

A Word From Our Sponsors

Ads help make Workology resources free for everyone. We respect your privacy. To see our Privacy Policy click here.

Recommended Posts

Navigating GPHR Recertification: Your Global HR Pathway

Navigating GPHR Recertification: Your Global HR Pathway

Uncover the path to GPHR Recertification. Dive into requirements, credit earning methods, and comparisons with other HR certifications. ...
GPHR vs SPHR: Decoding HR Certifications for Professionals

GPHR vs SPHR: Decoding HR Certifications for Professionals

Discover key insights on GPHR vs SPHR certifications: eligibility, exam details, prep tips and career paths in our comprehensive HR professional guide....

Episode 410: Conflict Management, Conflict Resolution, and Forgiveness With John Baldino From Humareso

In this episode, we interview John Baldino, Founder and President of HR consulting firm Humareso, speaking about conflict in the workplace....

Resources for Session Attendees of Digitizing Talent

Resources for conference session attendees of Digitizing Talent: Creative Strategies for the Digital Recruiting Age....

Get These #BlackFriday & #CyberMonday Deals For #HR Certification

I wanted to consolidate our Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals in one spot so that you can quickly see what's available. Snag yours...
Comparing the PHR vs PHRi HR Certification Exams

Comparing the PHR vs PHRi HR Certification Exams

Uncover the nuances of PHR vs PHRi Certification Exam for HR professionals. Learn which boosts your career prospects best in our detailed guide!...

Job Jackpot: Navigating the Job Market in the Online Gambling Industry

Job Jackpot: Navigating the Job Market in the Online Gambling Industry Humans have always been interested in gambling fun. Even in ancient times, people...

Digital Recruiting: Shaping the Modern HR Landscape

Discover the transformation of digital recruiting, its impact on HR tech and how it's reshaping CEO perspectives on measuring human capital....

Checkout Our Products

Ads help make Workology resources free for everyone. We respect your privacy. To see our Privacy Policy click here.

More From Workology

Managing Through Uncertainty And Leading With Integrity With Cara Brennan Allamano

Episode 411: Managing Through Uncertainty and Leading With Integrity With Cara Brennan Allamano

In this episode, we interview Cara Brennan Allamano, CHRO for Lattice, about how to manage teams through uncertainty.

Digital Recruiting: Shaping the Modern HR Landscape

Discover the transformation of digital recruiting, its impact on HR tech and how it's reshaping CEO perspectives on measuring human capital.

Job Jackpot: Navigating the Job Market in the Online Gambling Industry

Click on read more to open this post on our blog.
Comparing the PHR vs PHRi HR Certification Exams

Comparing the PHR vs PHRi HR Certification Exams

Uncover the nuances of PHR vs PHRi Certification Exam for HR professionals. Learn which boosts your career prospects best in our detailed guide!