Why is the job application process so hard?

Well.....this post seems to have struck a raw nerve. If we are lucky the platforms noticed.

Joshua being a Recruiter I really hope you know why this happens. As for competitors, they're using the same systems, the same way, for the same reasons. When you are a Recruiter and have actually applied for a job in your ATS, you can then recommend changes if they are legal and can improve Candidate Experience. But hey, that's just me.

I don't mind it so much if it is directly on a company career site. But when it is on a ATS, it is just data collection. It is also way out of line for any organization to ask for your actual street address. I can understand city/state but full home address- way out of line. I recently saw a company who asked to select an age range as well, and there was no option for declining.

Well. Once I extend an offer, candidates (now pending starts) log in to their candidate dashboard in order to access / sign their offer letters, complete onboarding tasks, etc. So there's one reason ;)

It may be an unpopular opinion but I like being able to go to a company, log in to my dashboard and see where my application stands. I have found I can see there that I was rejected before I receive any type of e-mail. It makes things more realistic for me.

What REALLY makes it worse is having to create a new Workday username and password for each company that uses the platform... SO much NO THANK YOU!

Hiya Joshua, I absolutely agree. Many ATS platforms now double as data mining tools collecting extensive personal info under the guise of a job opportunity. Jobseekers, often desperate, willingly hand over details like work history, salary, and even behavioral data, just for a shot at employment. Creating logins is just the tip of the iceberg, it's well over time we rethink how applicant data is used and protected.

Yes it’s the making the account and then re-writing every detail of your CV when they could just download your CV in one click - it definitely puts you off roles you would likely go for - and gives you job seeker burnout ! Not to mention when your referees get alerted every time you make an application, giving them a bit of burnout too!

Pretty sure most if not all companies incorporate this for pretty obvious reasons. Honestless I think applying for a job that requires jumping through just a few hoops is necessary to differentiate people who actually want the job and people who are just sending applications anywhere and everywhere. If you wanted the job you’d go through the effort to make an account and submit the application.