That’s because they use the wrong keywords.
I spent an hour helping a friend fill out the online app for the local Valvoline Instant Oil Change place. Seemed like the “test” took forever and there were reams of personality trait questions. He didn’t seem to be doing too bad with his answers - he wasn’t lying just to get them “right” but nothing he said seemed opposite to what I expect from Valvoline employees. Anyway, after all that the application just bluntly said “sorry you’re not a fit” and that was the end of that.
What a joke 
I can see why people don’t like to apply online!
Then again, I can’t see why people are sending inane shit via email, either…
I work with a guy who calls this particular web server software appa chey. Took me a while to figure out what the hell he’s talking about.
He also has some … personal space problems. He likes to be inside everyone’s but his own.
To who it may consern…
i am intersted in aply-ing for a job as a english teach. please see my inclosed resumay. i have 13 years teaching experence and wood make a fine edition to you scool.
sinserly,
robert j pigglesbottom
Not on a sheet of notebook paper. On HALF a sheet of notebook paper. TORN in half. And written in pencil. I’d like to say that this was a one-time letter. Nope. It happened just about every week.
I was hiring editors once. I received a resume from an editor who wrote, “… and I’m very detailed-oriented.”
Erm. No, you’re not. Sorry, honey.
:: chucks another resume into bin ::
How could you not hire a guy with a name like that?
I just went through the process of hiring another secretary. Can’t tell you how many folks list their email address as some variation of “SexyMcHottie@freeisp.com”. Made my first round of cuts much easier.
What’s so bad about a free isp?
Oh, even better: I was looking through a directory of California Enrolled Agents, as we were looking for someone to contact (duh). Some dude’s email was something like: DOMDADDY6969@HOTMAIL.COM
Published. In a professional magazine/directory thing.
Same handwriting?
You didn’t say which way the cut went. 
It’s not the free isp that’s the problem, it’s the sex fiend user ID.
Something wrong with “SexyMcHottie@Oakminster.org”?
That’s bad enough. I just recently filled out an online application for Time Warner Cable. Downloaded my resume, which the software then searched to fill in the application (I only had to make one correction). They even asked salary requirements and a couple of other questions.
I got a reply right away that said my qualifications and other answers fit their criteria for the position I was seeking and that someone would be contacting me in the next week to set up an interview.
That was 2 months ago.
so instead of hitting control+a and clicking off strike through you tossed it out? Heh,
of course if she did it on purpose sure but if it was a formatting bug then I think this makes you the weak link here…
Got a resume last week. Looked good and professional, but the listed email address was HighLyfe420@[somefreeisp].
Binned. Is it that hard to just get a throwaway that looks professional just for resumes?
That’s a little farther than I was hoping to commute.
I am rigorous almost to the point of obsession on getting the details right when I submit a résumé. I put the accents on the e’s in ‘résumé’, for one thing (hang your head, Dogzilla); and I looked up the difference between ‘farther’ and ‘further’ just for this post. I don’t know if it’s ever done me any good, or if the people I’m submitting to even notice.
I remember a few years back, I was looking at getting a part time job at Borders while at college. You had to apply online, which was a multi-multi page multiple choice bullshit thing… and you had to apply individually for EACH GODDAMNED LOCATION! WHAT THE FUCK SENSE DOES THAT MAKE? One application should be able to be sent to all local Borders shops!
But you’ll STILL get phone calls because the current job hunting gurus say ALWAYS make a phone call even if you’re told not to call!
In fact, what I’ve been hearing lately is apply on-line, fax resume, call, AND show up in person unannounced! Even if you’re specifically told not to do any of the above, you must still do all of the above to impress a prospective employer with how much you want the job and how much you really, really, really love them. Far as I can see, that would only work for jobs as a paparazzi or a stalker (like there’s a difference?)
I’m not sure I entirely agree with you. Online applications are good tools when you anticipate a lot of applicants. That can be the case when you’re hiring low-level employees, true - but it can also be the case with very desirable, higher-level jobs. For example, the federal Attorney Honors programs (which hire law students straight out of school) and the Presidential Management Fellowships are both very prestigious, and both use online applications. Of course, neither program uses them exclusively - but they’re used for the first steps.