Whatever happened to paper applications?
By maezee
@maezee (41997)
United States
July 27, 2016 4:00pm CST
I have been applying for a few jobs here and there, probably that I'm very underqualified for (ha, sad truth) and I've noticed for most jobs everything has gone online. Meaning we have to remember passwords, usernames, check our application statuses online, upload resumes, and receive rejection letters via e-mail.
Maybe I'm just old school, but I love filling out paper applications, including a printed resume and cover letter. I also really like receiving my rejection letters in the mail (I keep most of them!).
I realize it's convenient and almost everyone is online, but I personally still like the "old school" paper applications. Seems like they are becoming obselete however. Does this bug anyone else? When was the last time you filled out a paper application for a job?
11 people like this
12 responses
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
27 Jul 16
Welcome to the online world where a push of a button deletes your application and there's no physical proof you applied.
3 people like this
@moffittjc (118459)
• Gainesville, Florida
28 Jul 16
That's what I was thinking, and you beat me to it! lol
1 person likes this
@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
27 Jul 16
Online applications and even paper ones have not been working for me lately.
My sis sends me ones up on FB (I don't use FB anymore) and I've found they are more likely to accept you actually coming in and meeting them...or at least ringing them.
Last time I ever filled in a paper job app was 10 years ago.
Now I'm relying on FB and word of mouth and I'm finding with smaller employers this is fine.
Bigger employers use online more and it's harder to get even an interview.
1 person likes this
@maezee (41997)
• United States
27 Jul 16
Yes!!! That's exactly my feeling too. I've gotten way more interviews in the past with paper applications than with online applications. Although I know with my current job I applied online - but prior to that - I just wonder if those online apps just go into some "spam" box and are never looked at. Ha. I haven't heard of applying for a job through Facebook before, though!!
1 person likes this
@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
27 Jul 16
@maezee there are a lot of very local jobs on FB here...if they're up here I expect they are over with you too.
I've found they are smaller companies where if you ring them they invite you to come in for an informal chat....that's where I do well.
With application forms I know I don't do well as they never get back to me.
I've had a few offers through the FB but they've not been jobs that pay enough to cover my bills but there are a lot I've still to get back to.
Try looking at FB and see if there are jobs in your local area...could be worth it.
@maezee (41997)
• United States
27 Jul 16
@Mike197602 I will do that....Do you just look on pages of companies? I like my current job but I recently graduated so I am trying to apply for full time jobs within my "field" so to speak. Although so far it's looking grim.... :) Are you working anywhere right now?
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
28 Jul 16
Wow, it was a long time ago, my last three jobs I didn't really apply for just got hired cause they knew me.
1 person likes this
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@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
15 Aug 16
It was still paper applications during our time. My son is applying also to numerous jobs through the net.
@rina110383 (24495)
•
27 Jul 16
Years ago. Same here, I'm more of the old school expect if the employer prefers online applications and won't entertain walk-in applicants.
1 person likes this
@LovingMyBabies (85127)
• Valdosta, Georgia
27 Jul 16
Yeah I agree with you-I don't like that applications are only online now. Not everyone has the internet-people just assume that because of the year we are in.
@JESSY3236 (18923)
• United States
28 Jul 16
Yeah I found out that when I was looking for a job. I think it's terrible too because of all the passwords you have to remember.
@chrisandmark (606)
• United Kingdom
28 Jul 16
My daughter is applying for jobs at the moment and said today that nowhere wants a paper CV these days as all the application forms are online
@anamika161088 (11868)
• India
28 Jul 16
Though most of the work has been done online nowadays, still there are some areas where the "old school" is still alive. In developing countries like India, there is a wide population not having laptops/smartphone or not having the skill to use them. 3 out of 10 times, I fill paper application and I wonder whether my writing is readable or not. :)
@teresatrotter (4073)
• Jacksonville, Florida
10 Aug 16
Paper apps take up so much room. Storing them online allows them to keep apps longer, in case they need to go back and look at one.
