The last role I applied for, although I was not actively job searching at the time, was for a strategic HR management role in the healthcare industry.
I remember reading the job posting and thinking to myself, “ I can see myself with this organization in this particular job.” It was a weekday and late at night after a long day at work and I thought the whole process would take no more than 15 minutes. I did the normal application online providing my personal information, work experience, education and references, at that point I thought I was done but to my surprise, the application process did not end there. I was asked to complete a 110 item questionnaire that included Wonderlic items as well as job specific questions such as shift availability. Mid-way through the questionnaire, I remember wondering if the application instructions mentioned having to complete this portion and also providing the applicant an estimated time it would take to complete from start to finish. Its a nice courtesy to know what someone is getting themselves into from a time commitment standpoint. Once I completed the application, I was exhausted and feeling very different about the job I applied to than when I first got started with the process.
This experience further reaffirmed how as a society we are have limited time, patience and we want to complete a task and move onto the next thing instead of being caught up with too much all at once. Being mindful of the applicants is important as the application process is designed to ensure they continue to be engaged and excited about the position. Some individuals may become disengaged mid-application and may select themselves out of the process altogether.
By Nicte Chandler
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Hi Nicte,
I really liked how personable your post felt while reading it, and thought that you brought up a really good point surrounding the hiring process. Many people will start out particularly energized and motivated, but if presented with an application process that is too long, could lead to them dropping out of the race. Having a process that is too time-intensive could lead to great leaders abandoning the search, leaving hiring managers with unsuitable employees. Great post!
Hello Nicte,
That is crazy that you had to take 110 question questionnaire just to apply for the job. I guess working in the healthcare field they want someone who is dedicated and passionate, but wow that is a lot! I am not sure if it because I have applied for a different field of work but I didn’t realize when applying for jobs companies would tell you how long the process would take! That would be very helpful to know how much time and effort I would need to spend on my application instead of going into it blind. However, I agree that it is important to be mindful especially when applying for your future career. At times I catch myself rushing through applications and the end asking myself what was the hurry? I think it is almost second nature for us to want to get things done and move on to whatever is next. I agree that the more mindful we are about the position we are applying for the more engaged and excited we will be.
I totally agree Shelly! There have been times when I was searching and actively applying for positions and it seemed like a competition to submit it before anyone else did. Like you mention, I think its just the mindset of getting it done and moving on to the next thing. I do know I put the time and effort into it, but its just not my favorite thing to do so I want to get it over as soon as possible. 🙂