I will take you on a journey through my job application adventure two years ago. I encountered various experiences throughout this period that shaped my understanding of the job application process. Job searching and applying consume a significant portion of our lives. There are specific reasons why this journey can be long and challenging, similar to the struggles encountered with human resources. It's important to note that not all HR departments are the same, and my experiences are specific to extraordinary situations.
In this blog post, I will share some eye-opening incidents that I experienced during my job application adventure, aiming to shed light on the unfortunate aspects of the industry's development. Join me as I recount my experiences and provide insights that can benefit job seekers navigating the ever-changing job market.
The Waiting Game: Will They Ever Respond?
One of the biggest frustrations in job applications is the lack of response from employers. Sending numerous emails and not receiving any feedback can be disheartening. It becomes even more disheartening when you discover that you were not selected for the position through a LinkedIn post by someone who was hired. This lack of communication can leave job seekers feeling ignored and discouraged.
For instance, I can recall several instances where I sent multiple follow-up emails after submitting my application, only to receive no response. It can be frustrating and demoralizing to put in the effort without any acknowledgment or closure.
Under this heading, I could provide numerous examples, all of which share the common trait of not having anyone respond after applying.
Lack of Communication: We Chose Someone but Forgot to Inform You!
Continuing from the previous example, I want to highlight the exciting way I discovered that I hadn't been selected. Another common challenge in the job application process is the lack of communication regarding selection outcomes. It can be disheartening to discover that someone else was chosen for a position through social media or other means without any direct communication from the employer. Clear and timely communication is essential to maintain transparency and respect for job applicants.
I emailed other relevant individuals in the same department but received no response. After not receiving any response for such a long time, I understood that I hadn't been selected. However, the lack of a response can truly drive a person crazy. After a while, I saw a recruiter who shared a position link on LinkedIn. I sent a connection request and a message. I received a response and found out that the position had been filled, and they had seen the selection in the system. While everyone was aware, the applicant had no idea.
The Automated Email Debacle!
Automated email responses can sometimes cause confusion and frustration. I once experienced a situation where I received an automated email response stating that the recipient would be out of the office on July 30th. Apart from the fact that I sent the email in December, there was no other issue. Such instances highlight the importance of personalizing communication and ensuring that automated systems function correctly.
The Illusion of Hope: Delayed Offers and Disappointments
Sometimes, job seekers receive promising feedback and invitations for interviews, only to face unexpected delays or disappointing outcomes. Instances where job offers are delayed, positions are filled internally, or alternative roles are suggested can be disheartening and leave applicants questioning the sincerity and professionalism of the hiring process.
I applied for a position at a hotel. Within a week, I received an email from the GM inviting me for an interview. I accepted, and we set a date. As it was a position I really wanted, I prepared more diligently for the interview. The GM informed me that the position had been filled. I then wondered why the position hadn't been removed from the system and never received a response. Later, the GM said that they liked my resume and wanted to offer a different position. However, the position was below the roles I had previously held. In other words, all the preparation, the interview, and the one-hour journey I made were wasted. To make matters worse, they boast about their accomplishments and success in the industry after offering me this position. It felt like a joke!
In another example, I received no response despite applying to the sales department. However, after a few months had passed, I received a response asking if I would like to become a night auditor.
Ghosting and Unresponsive Companies
Ghosting, or the sudden silence from employers after an interview or promising interaction, has become increasingly common in the job market. It can be frustrating to invest time and effort into the application process only to be met with silence and unanswered emails. Employers should strive for clear and respectful communication, even if the outcome does not favor the applicant.
A Non-Profit Organization expressed interest in me during the interview. After the interview, they stated their satisfaction and mentioned scheduling a meeting with the Vice President for the following week. I began waiting, assuming they were busy. After a week passed with no response, I sent them an email but still received no reply. I sent another email after a week had passed, yet again without any response. This time, I reached out through their general contact, HR, and the person's email on their website. Still, no response. As a result, the company and its representatives disappeared, eliminating any chance of obtaining information or initiating communication.
Reaching Out via LinkedIn...
While browsing LinkedIn, I found a job posting, but I wasn't entirely sure. So, I liked the post and moved on. The next day, the person responsible for the position messaged me, asking why I hadn't applied and stating that my resume seemed perfect. I asked a few questions to gather more information about the position, and they responded pretty openly. I expressed my intention to apply, and they said they would inform HR about our conversation. I was pleased. However, the following day, I received an email from HR stating that I had not been selected. It was challenging to comprehend. The department head messaged me, expressing my suitability and urging me to apply, yet a day later, HR notified me of my rejection. Ironically, even after receiving the rejection email, I messaged the person who had contacted me on LinkedIn, seeking an explanation, but received no response, despite being online.
The Perplexing Application Websites
The complexity of some job application websites adds an additional layer of frustration to the process. Navigating through multiple platforms, creating accounts, and inputting extensive information can be time-consuming and repetitive. Furthermore, technical issues and glitches can further exacerbate the frustration.
One of the things I don't understand about job applications is the websites created for applications. You have to embark on an adventure to apply for a job. First, you go to LinkedIn or Indeed. You find the job. Then these websites redirect you to the company's website. On this page, you are asked to become a member, and you become one. And that's when an extraordinary adventure begins. You are asked to enter all the information from your resume word by word. And without laziness, you transfer all the information here. Dates, job descriptions, completed universities, languages spoken — information pages are filled out. Just when you think it's done, you are asked to upload your resume, and crazy questions come to your mind. Why did you enter all this information manually on this website? Of course, you don't get an answer because you're helpless. Or sometimes, when you create your membership on the site, you are asked to upload your resume, and you do. You say, "Oh, okay, at least I won't have to enter all the information." Unfortunately, the system messes up and puts your information in the wrong places, and then you must delete everything and enter it again. No one cares how many hours you've spent.
No one knows how many more stages I'll have to go through!
I applied to a research institution and immediately received a positive response from HR. We scheduled the first interview. After the first interview, HR told me that it was positive and that they would introduce me to the department manager for a meeting via email. Of course, I was happy and immediately confirmed the date and had the meeting with the department manager. I was very excited because I had passed that stage successfully, and they invited me to a panel interview. This meant there were two sessions, each with four people from the department apart from HR. I met four people in the morning session, and it went well. The afternoon session was strange because one person refused to turn on the camera, and the way of speaking was very unsettling. Just as the company expects respect from you, you also expect the company to show respect to you. After meeting a total of eight people in these two sessions, I thought I had passed it and would probably get the job. However, I received another email from HR asking me to submit a case study, which was the final stage. I completed everything they provided, sent it to HR, and then waited. After a week, I received the news that I was not selected. Looking back, I realized that I had spent approximately two months on this process. And after three months, I saw that they had opened the same position again on LinkedIn. Such a lengthy process doesn't necessarily result in selecting the right candidate.
Embarking on a job application adventure can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, ranging from excitement to frustration. While challenges and setbacks are an inevitable part of the process, staying resilient and maintaining a positive mindset is essential. Each experience provides an opportunity for growth and learning. By reflecting on our own experiences and sharing insights, we can contribute to improving the job application process for future candidates.
Maybe this writing won't change anything, but at least I want to share my experiences and what's inside me by putting them into words. Unfortunately, the most common response given to these problems is that there were too many applicants or we don't have the budget. What is expected from Human Resources is a transparent, honest, and communicative recruitment process. Job applicants might find jobs faster and more comfortably if this were done. I hope you don't encounter organizations and individuals without vision.
Remember, the job application journey is unique for each individual, and perseverance, adaptability, and a positive attitude are essential. By leveraging the lessons learned from my own experiences, I hope to inspire and support fellow job seekers in pursuing fulfilling career opportunities. Good luck with your own job application adventure!
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