The Downside of Online Applications

Sometimes I wonder what employers are thinking, particularly when it comes to hiring methods.

I just spent over an hour helping a highly skilled and experienced RN complete an online application and upload her ASCII résumé and cover letter to apply for a job in the cath lab of a large suburban hospital. How did we ever get to the point where having an email address, being able to complete an online application, and knowing how to upload an ASCII résumé were prerequisites to providing expert clinical care to patients undergoing diagnostic and interventional heart catherizations? 

The media keeps reporting on the nursing shortage and impending crisis in the healthcare industry. The average age of today’s RN is 46.8 years … which means most nurses probably graduated from college in the late 1980s, or earlier. Long before the Internet took over and changed the way professionals look for work. 

Sure, we are in the computer age and e-mail, online applications, and electronic résumés are more the norm than the exception. But, what about the RN who never jumped on this electronic band wagon – or the school bus driver, mechanic, machine, operator, dock worker, or forklift driver? Are they less qualified to perform the responsibilities of the job because they never developed the new-age skills needed to apply for the job?

Perhaps it’s time for the pendulum to swing back the other way and for logic to again factor into the hiring equation. Had I not been available to help an RN navigate the cumbersome and unforgiving online application – had I not been around to demonstrate how to upload an ASCII résumé – had I not encouraged her to keep trying in spite of her frustration, a large suburban hospital would have missed the chance of adding a talented, highly skilled, experienced and dedicated professional to their healthcare team.

Online applications and electronic résumés certainly streamline things for HR, but at what cost to the less computer savvy or older job seeker?

posted by Norine Dagliano

Comments

[Barbara Safani]

Norine,

Great points! I think that even for the techno-savvy job seeker, the on-line application process is a huge turn off and employers often fail to realize that many top candidates do not feel compelled to spend so much time going through endless on-line screens just to be considered for a position. The complexity of the posting process continues to astound me and unfortunately I don't see an end to the madness anytime soon. I hope that your client is working on her networking strategy so she can minimize the time spent wrestling with posting boards and maximize her relationships with decision makers!

[Julie O'Malley]

You're right. Those of us who are connected to a computer every day can easily forget that not everyone shares our reality. Different jobs demand different kinds of expertise. Online applications are designed by technically savvy individuals (who use terms like “ASCII”), yet these applications have to be used by everyone, in all age groups, at all levels. A big part of my job as a content writer is to make sure we “keep it simple” when explaining the ins and outs of resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting. Assuming that everyone is a computer whiz just won’t cut it. (And as the previous poster points out, an unwieldy application process can turn away even technically savvy candidates, because it's annoying and time-consuming.)

[Louise Fletcher]

That's such a great point - I used to work in HR and I implemented one of these systems. I can tell you that I didn't do it to improve the quality of hires. I did it to save time, because my department shrank from 11 to 3 and there were a lot of vacancies to fill.

Even in a tech-savvy industry (I was in video games at the time) I'm sure the system eliminated some good candidates. I don't know what the alternative is though. Without some way of filtering resumes, wouldn't all teh HR folks and recruiters just go mad?

[steve]

This action proves to be a win, win situation. This is a true art work, which will be a success story.
Steve
Online Uk Jobs Resource

[Helga29Bartlett]

I had got a dream to begin my company, nevertheless I did not have enough amount of cash to do it. Thank God my colleague suggested to use the home loans. Thus I received the financial loan and realized my desire.

[Canada Goose]

Prefer Canada Goose Jackets in Canada Goose Jacket online store, more experience for winter life ! With winter coming, the Goose Down Jacket Canada and Women Canada Goose Chiliwack Parka BLACK with authentic quality will be the best choice for you.
Winter coming, everyone is starting to shop around for a warm winter coat. But the big question is: which one will keep you the warmest without making you look like an abominable snowman? Today´s article highlights for you two coats that meet these important criteria: Canada Goose Men's Yorkville Bomber and Canada Goose Outlet Trillium by Canadian Goose.
From Canada Goose Sale, Canada Goose Parka inspired by the label´s iconic Canada Goose Women Expedition design. It´s fitted with plenty of internal and external pockets as well as a versatile removable down filled hood, secure Velcro collar and storm flap protection over the front zipper. The cut is a bit slimmer than we´re used to seeing on vests and outerwear pieces alike, which definitely works in your favor when traveling from work to play and vice versa.

[Cat Boots]

CAT Footwear is the world's leading footwear companies in the rankings. They are an experienced, when it comes to make Cat Shoes and Cat Boots, they are proud of the Caterpillar brand owners and their mission is to provide the market with the latest developments in the shoe department of a comfortable, durable shoes. Their area of expertise in their shoes, Caterpillar Boots with special features is just to make sure every footwear will be comfortable to wear as the first priority. Some models have steel toes, and some do not, they have given, to some extent, the inner surface can easily be removed, put back some of the special archs orthopedic support, not slippery. Surprising to know that these features bootshave to prevent electric shock, and thermal insulation of the action.

There are Ladies Caterpillar Boots, while other prominent women's shoes, Caterpillar will be moving within the raised floor, allowed the wearer to replace the floor the other Mens Cat Boots. Orthotics are custom. These boots will provide comfort and protection, women were not the case. Whether you want to put your shoes when working or when you are climbing, this is the best choice, you can. Women's Caterpillar Shoes in different designs, and provide price will vary depending on your choice. ...