[RedSwirl]

Update: Bumping this thread because I'm about to give up on craigslist.

At this point I'm down to Washington Post Jobs and the career search site for the college I graduated from. I tried indeed but beyond uploading my resume I don't know where to start with the search queries.

I guess it's worth it to go through applications for all the local retail places again, but that brings me back to the questionnaire problem that I haven't solved.

Original Post: The more applications and cover letters I send out, and the more personality tests I take, the less faith I have in how job applications are made today. I just haven't seen proof that it works.

I don't know how many applications I've sent over the last five years, but precisely one of them actually allowed me to walk up to a place of business, submit a written application, and then proceed to an in-person interview. Didn't get the job but it was still an extremely refreshing experience.

I know online is probably the only way to deal with the volume of applications companies get these days, but I feel like it's just sucked the human side out of looking for a job, especially the personality tests. Y'know those 30-page questionnaires asking what kind of man you are. My problem is that I keep answering those things honestly because I feel like if I have to lie to pass those things, then I'm probably not right for the job anyway.

Also, half the job applications I find for are for a multitude of different services and networks like Monster, SimplyHired, Washington Post Jobs, etc. All of them have their own application process and a lot of them are behind a paywall. Which one do you people use? The last online offer through one of these networks that looked like it was panning out for me turned out to be a scam, which has further discouraged me from them.

This has also confused the hell out of my dad, who thinks I should be "beating the street," but doesn't realize that my every attempt to do so has virtually always ended in me being directed towards a computer. My mom tells me he's confused because he hasn't had to actively search for a job in over 30 years, but I wonder if his way would be better if I could just actually do it.

The few temporary jobs I have been able to get over the last few years have all started when I got contacted by people I already know. Sure it was online, but it was always people I already know. That's why I'm trying LinkedIn, because at least that service tries to utilize what people agree is the best way to find a job - networking. From what I can see it feels like it could be really useful, but most of my friends who actually could help me find jobs have completely lost faith in the service.

I'm sorry if this post is starting to look like a blog or something, but has anyone on GAF gotten online job applications to actually pan out? If not, can anyone actually still find a good human-to-human application process?

[Solo]

Go to the actual places, even if they prefer you to apply on-line. Go every week if need be until someone will sit with you. Show some determination and ambition.

[dreamcastmaster]

I think online job applications are just data mining. Do things the old fashioned way, face to face relationships are far more important in real life.

[Foxy Fox 39]

no.

[Enco]

I think online job applications are just data mining. Do things the old fashioned way, face to face relationships are far more important in real life.

This.

Another tip I read is to find a job online and try contact someone personally via email or linkedin or something.

[Jason's Ultimatum]

Those personality questions are annoying as fuck. Hell, it takes me less than 10 minutes to apply for government jobs, yet shitty retail jobs they ask you 80 questions about your personality which can take 30 minutes.

[Jasconius]

Submit your application online, but then call the places and ask to speak with the person in charge of hiring.

[Angry Grimace]

Go to the actual places, even if they prefer you to apply on-line. Go every week if need be until someone will sit with you. Show some determination and ambition.

We get people who do that at my office and we tell the security people not to let them in anymore.

[John Rabbit]

i've never gotten a job by applying online.

but i have gotten interviews.

if you're unable to find a specific point of contact (via phone or email) you're pretty much fucked.

[Gooster]

I've heard more from people that allow me to paste my resume and cover letter in an email than an online job application. I get frustrated when I just went through a bunch of questions, select my resume and my cover letter, only to get an application error page at the very end. I'm just glad I wised up and copy the letter before that happens. I'd rather just find someone that I should contact and chat with them.

Also: Monster is just a scam haven, in my eyes.

[Solo]

We get people who do that at my office and we tell the security people not to let them in anymore.

Well, you guys are part of the problem then.

[teruterubozu]

Hooray for the shitty Human Resources industry fucking up this country.

[nephilimdj]

Best is to ring them after you apply online, more chance of being put on the short list I have found.

[WillyFive]

Go to the actual places, even if they prefer you to apply on-line. Go every week if need be until someone will sit with you. Show some determination and ambition.

But do not overdo it. You do not want to sound belittling. Always approach with the utmost respect.

[AAequal]

Send open application with your CV, after week start calling them if they have recieved it and if you could come there in person to present yourself. Never just pop-up there, it might work some places but it's really annoying when you have your day planned ahead and some jerk just keeps coming in demanding audience and eventually you have to please him, or at least call the security. But, yeah, keeping in touch with emails and phone calls is good way to go, always send your info first since it helps people a bit if they know something about you.

[Angry Grimace]

Well, you guys are part of the problem then.

...uh, what problem? That we don't like applicants that can't follow directions? Have you ever actually hired someone?

[Slappers Only]

A potential employer will know more about how they feel about you in the second that they look at your face and shake your hand than all of your info can convey. For better or worse, that's the case.

[RedSwirl]

i've never gotten a job by applying online. but i have gotten interviews. if you're unable to find a specific point of contact (via phone or email) you're pretty much fucked.

Oh I've definitely gotten face-to-face interviews, but not nearly enough in my opinion. Too many places also specifically tell me NOT to contact them by phone or e-mail.

[Glass Joe]

Yes. I got one yesterday. But it all depends on the company. Many places are "always hiring" when they're not, just to get you into the system for reserves. And others I think are just data mining. But it is possible, just don't get discouraged when you don't hear back after sending app after app because chances are not many are reading them anyway.

[Solo]

...uh, what problem? That we don't like applicants that can't follow directions?

Rather than having security run them out like a bunch of beggars, why not tell them yourselves that interviews will only be granted to those who follow whatever protocol your company has. You get rid of them without making yourselves look like a bunch of asshats.

[bro1]

I've done recruitment for a long time and I can tell you that online applications do work, but not as well as networking does.

Job fairs are great for meeting the recruiters face to face which helps in the hiring process. Another great way to get a job is to join professional associations in your field. That way you can potentially meet the actual hiring managers.

Another great avenue is to use Linkedin and figure out who the hiring manager is for the position you are applying to. Then you can email him directly and get around the recruiters and screeners.

Do not show up at the workplace. The will think you are a pyscho and end it there.

[Angry Grimace]

Rather than having security run them out like a bunch of beggars, why not tell them yourselves that interviews will only be granted to those who follow whatever protocol your company has. You get rid of them without making yourselves look like a bunch of asshats.

Because the original post I responded to was you recommending applicants should ignore protocol.

[Lactose_Intolerant]

Rather than having security run them out like a bunch of beggars, why not tell them yourselves that interviews will only be granted to those who follow whatever protocol your company has. You get rid of them without making yourselves look like a bunch of asshats.

Because he's busy doing his job.

[soundscream]

I got my last 2 jobs from career builder

[ChuyMasta]

Online is how I got my current job. I sent my resume/letter/ etc to all the schools in denver and then played the waiting game.

[Solo]

Because the original post I responded to was you recommending applicants should ignore protocol.

I recommend anything that gets you in the door and gives you a chance to introduce yourself.

[Zapperkhan]

I applied to Old Navy online and was called in for an interview within a week. I think the online applications is just to weed out those who don't share the same moral views with the company. Those 50 questions are a real pain since it's really 10 questions asked in 5 different ways.

[Omegasquash]

Applying online is a crapshoot. If you don't match some HR keyword filters, you're not looked at at all, even if you have relevant qualifications and experience. I've bagged a decent job via monster, and I've been found by headhunters too, but nothing is a guarantee.

Read a few articles, keep firing your resume out. Use linkedin if you can. Eventually something will happen. Just...follow instructions. If they tell you NOT to do something, then don't do it.

[Angry Grimace]

I recommend anything that gets you in the door and gives you a chance to introduce yourself.

Except that people who say they want online applications do so because they don't want you to do that. It's a perfectly rational response to ignore applicants that can't follow directions.

[LosDaddie]

Yes, online apps do work. The problem, there are so many people filing them, that you need to be overqualified to stand out.

Best to call the business afterwards and try to establish a contact.

[AtomskEater]

Submit your application online, but then call the places and ask to speak with the person in charge of hiring.

This sounds like a good idea, and is probably why I never got a job from online application websites before. Am I just supposed to introduce myself, state what job I applied for, and ask when I can expect to hear back or something like that?

[AAequal]

Oh I've definitely gotten face-to-face interviews, but not nearly enough in my opinion. Too many places also specifically tell me NOT to contact them by phone or e-mail.

Woah, that really sucks! It's hard to stand up if there are more then 100 applications for the same position, but calling is always something I appreciate. It's also rather surprising how few people actually call. When ever someone calls me when we are recruiting I will give them interview even if their CV didn't caught my eye at first.

[EYEL1NER]

I would have to look in my TAPS book, but it had statistics in there saying that online applications and submitting resumes online are the most common things people do when trying to get a job but it is the lowest chance of getting one because so many employers don't hire from online applications as much.

[Bossun]

I understand, I'm looking for an internship right now, if possible abroad. My only option is by mail and I hate that. I'm absolutely certain most of my mails aren't read.

[LiK]

never worked for me. even if i got any interviews, they didn't read my resume UNTIL i got there. such a big waste of time. it's better to look for a recruiter.

[slit]

Go to the actual places, even if they prefer you to apply on-line. Go every week if need be until someone will sit with you. Show some determination and ambition.

Some places don't even allow you to apply in person anymore and I'm talking about jobs in almost every profession. It's against their company policy.

[Solo]

Some places don't even allow you to apply in person anymore and I'm talking about jobs in almost every profession. It's against company policy.

That shit is cray. Sounds like the best way to miss a great candidate. Online applications come down to CV buffing.

[RedSwirl]

The other side of it though is that the online process allows me to hide any and all indication that I'm black UNTIL I get to the interview. I have no real idea of how that affects my chances, but I've read a lot about how people suddenly got more interviews in this country when the people running the process didn't know they were black. Not really a racist thing, but more of a subconscious perception thing.

Some places don't even allow you to apply in person anymore and I'm talking about jobs in almost every profession. It's against their company policy.

This is exactly what I'm talking about though. Most places I've tried to apply to in person don't allow such a thing at all anymore. It's what's confusing the hell out of my dad.

[Xun]

Depends on the industry.

[Angry Grimace]

The reason why people have long insisted on being aggressive in person is based on faulty assumptions about the type of people that apply online; i.e. applicants make the assumption that recruiters are old-school types who believe that the quality and quantity of online applications is somehow worse than others.

I've hired a few people in my time and to be honest, my first two priorities are a) not annoying and b) qualifications to do the job, in no particular order. fake edit: "hot" helps too, but if you ever have the chance to hire someone, do not use that as your hiring criteria.

[Tim-E]

Yeah, there are a lot of businesses (including the one I'm currently employed with) that don't have or allow paper applications.

[nVidiot_Whore]

I'm not some HR person or manager but my position involves being asked to look at a lot of resumes and job applications.

They come from all over, including online submission systems.

So yeah, they work.

Best bet is to always "know somebody" but often especially at large companies, or government jobs, they have "rules" (that aren't always followed) where job applications have to be based on a "fair" pool of applications. That's opposed to companies like Microsoft, where I've heard (from fairly high up HR people) that the percentage of people they hire from anything but a recommendation from another employee is really low. IIRC I was told it was something like 75% of new hires being from employee referrals.

So really, it's all over the map.. best bet is to apply as many places as you can, and don't worry about stopping by in person if you've already called/done something online/etc. Can you annoy some people? Sure.. but I'd say odds are in your favor that it will be seen positively that you are being somewhat aggressive.

[SmellyHands]

I've found jobs by applying online. I've even found online applications are frequently used to weed out potential applicants because there are a lot of people who apparently can't figure out how to use them. It's almost like a basic computer test.

[The Lamp]

Submit your application online, but then call the places and ask to speak with the person in charge of hiring.

This is my problem: what do I say? I don't know how to approach the situation. Do I just say "Hi, I'm looking for a job, hire me"?

Talking about minimum wage entry-level jobs here, like GameStop or something. Do I be persistent or just wait for them to call me with an interview?

[ascii42]

I got my job with the Air Force through an online application. Actually, now all US Government jobs are done through usajobs.gov

[entrement]

Short answer: No!

Long answer: The interview is more important, even if you get your foot in the door via the online app.

[RDreamer]

I hate the places that make you go to their own website. Usually they tease you by letting you upload your resume, but then the program just takes bits and pieces of it and throws it into their own boxes (and usually fails miserably). You also have to register and think of a password and all that shit, too. Then you answer all those freaking questions. And usually you don't get anything back for all of it. I've had some take upwards of an hour to do! It's so frustrating, too, because I have this nice resume. Why can't I just send you that?

I've never got a single job where I had to fill out those questionnaires. If a crappy retail type thing has 'em I pretty much bet on not getting that job. I don't know what I'm answering badly, but I just can't get in with those.

Monster is a fucking joke, too. There's never any new jobs on it, and the whole thing just seems like a scam. Normally I use careerbuilder and Milwaukeejobs (Local JobNetwork). Those get some returns, but really not many.

I get the most returns from craigslist, actually. That forces them to actually see your resume and read it, so that helps.

[TheMan]

do you mind saying what industry you're interested in?

[Brettison]

This is my problem: what do I say? I don't know how to approach the situation. Do I just say "Hi, I'm looking for a job, hire me"? Talking about minimum wage entry-level jobs here, like GameStop or something. Do I be persistent or just wait for them to call me with an interview?

Just ask to speak to the hiring manager, and if they aren't there ask for a time when they might be so you can call back. Then when you get them just try and politely say you've filled out an application, and you were wondered if you could setup a time to come in and do an interview.

Key here being you aren't begging them to hire you, but you are asking to get some actual face to face time.

PS: I'm pretty much over filling out any online applications that don't give me any contact info. I really do feel to a large degree it's just intrusive data mining.

[RedSwirl]

do you mind saying what industry you're interested in?

News editing, but really anything that has to do with being able to write and edit properly.