Are online job applications a waste of time?

Nurses General Nursing

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I have more luck getting a hired at jobs where you can go in and apply for them. The ones where you have to apply online I NEVER even get a call back, let alone get hired for them. Why is that? Just recently I went job hunting, and was discouraged because a few of the places require for you to apply online...I didn't even bother because I know my application wont get reviewed.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Nowadays most facilities won't accept your application unless you apply online. They're getting flooded with applicants calling/dropping in--accepting online applications probably makes the recruiting process more manageable.

I don't think the problem is online applications as much as it is the fact that it's a horrible job market and both experienced nurses as well as new grads are having a hard time getting interviews.

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Specializes in Med-Surg; Telemetry; School Nurse pk-8.

I don't think it's a complete waste of time, but in this economy it's more alike to playing the lottery. I think the best bet is when you know an existing staff member who can run interference.

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I have found them to be a waste of my time so that is why I continue to apply for jobs in person. Most of the time I get hired on the spot when I go in person to fill out an application. All of the times that I applied online I received no response.

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Specializes in Government.

My employer will not accept anything other than an online application. One problem is that we get so many that most of us are pressed into screening duties. We look for an experience skill set that matches the job, a BSN and willingness to do a minor amount of travel. We essentially interview everyone who passes that first screen.

Make sure you aren't putting in anything in your online applications that ends up getting them tossed out on first screen. I would not give up on online applications, though. They aren't going away. Doesn't replace networking but are an inescapable function of jobs today.

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I have found them to be a waste of my time so that is why I continue to apply for jobs in person. Most of the time I get hired on the spot when I go in person to fill out an application. All of the times that I applied online I received no response.

That is my experience as well. Once I got hired as a caregiver on the spot because the facility desperately needed caregivers at that moment. Another time was as a part-time home health aide.

Sometimes I wonder who are the lucky ones who get hired from filling out online job applications...?

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My employer will not accept anything other than an online application. One problem is that we get so many that most of us are pressed into screening duties. We look for an experience skill set that matches the job, a BSN and willingness to do a minor amount of travel. We essentially interview everyone who passes that first screen.

Make sure you aren't putting in anything in your online applications that ends up getting them tossed out on first screen. I would not give up on online applications, though. They aren't going away. Doesn't replace networking but are an inescapable function of jobs today.

Well, what can I do to make my application stand out amongst the others? Often, I meet the qualifications and I still don't get a call back. The better jobs usually are the ones where you have to apply online but I never get them which really sucks.

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A lot of places are moving more to submitting applications online only. I can say that I have gotten jobs this and the traditional paper app way. You just have to try to make yours stand out. What sets you apart? Have you won any awards? Did you graduate with honors? Do you do anything special at your job? These are things to include. Good luck. Finding a job is tough for all right now. Keep your head up. It WILL get better.

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Specializes in LTC.

Its' not a waste of time if you call and email to follow up. Best wishes.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

It does seem like they just go out into never-never land once you submit online. I have had several interviews from online applications, but it is strange the ones that seem like a perfect fit and no contact is ever made. It makes you wonder what happened to the application and if anyone even saw it.

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Specializes in ER, Med/Surg, LTC.

I find the whole online process very distressing, as I feel that HR, does not get a feel for who you are as a person. Online application is an unfortunate process, however, may I suggest, after you apply online, then make an effort to go to the HR department and ask to speak with the HR Recruiter. That is what I did and it paid off.

I applied to the hospitals in my area, waited 2 weeks and when I saw that I was not getting any response, I started to make rounds on my days off to speak with a recruiter. I was completely honest in saying that, I feel that applying online, I felt as though a connection for a good fit is not met. I probably visited 10-15 hospitals, and only 1 assured me that 'I like your style, I am gonna get you in', and true to his word, 3 months later, I got that call. I still had to interview with the unit manager, but I assured him, you get me in front of the manager, and I will leave with the job.

So we all understand your frustration, this is a very complex and competitive time we are experiencing, you have to be proactive and get out there and network, someone will take a shine to you and give you that lucrative opportunity.

Good luck, and keep at it........

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