First Impressions: Simplifying the Online Job Application Process
By Kraig Kleeman
“Embarking on the digital quest for employment is like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded—just when you think you’ve aligned the colors, the final twist throws everything off.” — Kraig Kleeman, Founder and CEO
Introduction
Let’s discuss the beginning steps of applying for a job online—yes, I know, just starting can be very difficult. Have you ever felt excited about finding a job listing only to face an extremely complicated application form? You are not alone. This is the first handshake, the first “hello” between you and who might be your future boss. And too often, it’s more like a stumbling block.
Recently, I talked with a human resources expert who has lots of experience with these first steps. She shared many opinions—mainly frustrations—about how companies sometimes make mistakes right at the beginning.
The Infamous Application Form
Imagine this: you are on your phone, attempting to complete an application form on a small screen. There appear to be countless fields that need filling out. An expert tells me, “Companies should really consider who is applying and the manner in which they are doing so.” She says, “Making a form that’s difficult to fill out doesn’t help anyone.” And she is correct. Simplicity isn’t just nice; it’s necessary.
When Your Resume Falls into a Black Hole
You ever think about what happens to your resume after you click submit? Sometimes, it feels like it just disappears into the air. “You make this perfect resume, change it for the job you want—and then when you upload it, the system makes a mess of everything. It feels like, why do I even try?” she explained, frustrated. We laughed, but it’s a real problem. It is like getting ready for big fancy party, but then your limousine takes you to the wrong place.
The Robot Gatekeeper
Automated screening tools—robots choosing if you get noticed. They aim to make hiring easier by selecting the “top” resumes using certain keywords. But guess what? They miss out on a lot of great people. “These tools can be useful,” the expert admitted, “but they sometimes miss people who could offer something special just because they didn’t use the correct keywords.”
Don’t Forget: People Hire People
Here is something we both agreed on: no machine can take place of the good old human touch. “In the end, it’s people talking to people.” That’s what hiring should be about,” she said. And she’s got a point. Machines are tools, not decision-makers.
So, What Can We Do Better?
We finished our talk with some clear lessons to make job applications easier and more fair for everyone:
- Make form more simple: Keep it short and clear. Also, make sure easy to use on mobile phone.
- Fix the resume upload process: Let’s get technology that actually understands what it’s reading.
- Adjust those screening algorithms: they must become clever and imitate top HR professionals, not merely check off boxes.
- Include humans in the process: Nothing is better than a personal touch, especially when selecting the right person for a team.
In summary, when you apply for jobs, it should create opportunities instead of limiting them. At The New Workforce, we focus on making those initial steps very inviting. Because everyone should have a fair chance to show their abilities. Let us make the job application process more humane, yes?
About Kraig Kleeman
Kraig Kleeman is a highly successful entrepreneur, author, and showrunner. If his accomplishments and aspirations were to draw inspiration from natural icons, he could be described as a fusion of Elon Musk’s visionary approach to business and Mick Jagger’s electrifying stage presence. He possesses keen business acumen and a flair for captivating performances that awe audiences.
Kraig’s entrepreneurial spirit is boundless, as evidenced by his track record of founding a tech company and taking it from nothing to $30 million in sales, in less than four years. His newest venture, CEO Branding Worldwide, is growing by triple digits, quarter over quarter. While some may liken his abilities to a Midas touch, others prefer to think of it as transforming companies into profitable ventures instead of turning things into gold!
