Is it worth it to fill out long job applications?

What you’ll find in this blog:

• Why some online job applications are so long
• Is it worth filling out a long job application?
• When to walk away from a long job application
• Best practices for long job applications
• Long job applications can be worth it

Job hunting can already be a stressful experience. No matter the reason for your search, jumping online to review listings and fill out applications is enough to raise anyone’s blood pressure. On top of that, some applications are just… so… long. Why?

This is something I’ve chatted about with numerous HR and recruiting professionals. Personally, I don’t think a lengthy online application is necessary, and in fact, I think it can turn people off from applying. The evidence backs me up:

A study found that 57% (approximately 6 in 10) job candidates abandoned an overly complicated or long application process before finishing.

However, the reality is that long applications exist. So, is it worth it to fill them out?

Why some online job applications are so long

Before we talk about what might make it worth it to fill out a long online job application, it’s a good idea to understand why this is happening.

Some companies, particularly large national or global organizations, need to have a process in place, or recruiting will simply get overwhelmed. With multiple locations, roles, and requirements, HR teams need to be able to filter candidates. That’s why many companies employ online tools such as Workday, Oracle HCM, Rippling, or other online application management tools.

Additionally, the number of applicants right now is astounding. You’ve probably seen job posts on LinkedIn that haven’t even been up for a day but already have over 100 applicants. It’s not possible for recruiting teams to talk to every single person that applies, so the online application process is meant to give them the best chance at filtering and finding the right fit.

Less reasonably, some companies use a long application process as a test to see if a candidate really wants the job. That could be considered a red flag, it depends on how the rest of the application process goes.

Is it worth filling out a long job application?

Yes, it can be worth it. Here’s when filling out a long job application deserves your time:

• Dream job – Of course, then, yes! Take the time to fill out the job application if you’re invested in the opportunity. Don’t let a lengthy process keep you from the job you’ve always imagined having or working for a top company.
• You tick every box – If you’re incredibly qualified for the role, and meet every single requirement, it’s likely that filling out the long job application and making it through the filters will just prove to the recruiting staff that you’re a good fit.
• The salary and benefits are top notch – If the role has outstanding salary and benefits, it could be worth your time to fill out the long application at a chance for those exceptional offers.

When to walk away from a long job application

Here’s when it’s not worth it:

• No attempt to autofill – If the online application doesn’t even attempt to pull from your resume and you must manually re-enter (not just fix formatting) your entire resume.
• Low salary or poor benefits – If it’s not a desirable opportunity, then don’t apply. Simple as that. Low salary or suboptimal benefits that are not going to meet your needs are not worth the time in the first place.
• Too many additional demands – The application was long, and now you’re in a never-ending cycle of assessment requests, screening calls, and sample tests.

Best practices for long job applications

Unfortunately, there’s no getting around the long application in the current recruiting environment. For those jobs which you do decide to complete the long application, here are some things you can do to make your application process run more efficiently:

• Check company reviews before applying – Make absolutely sure you’re spending your time on good companies and check reviews first. If the reviews are poor, move on, if the reviews are good, you can feel better about investing the time.
• Document short-form responses – Chances are you’re applying for similar jobs with common descriptions and work experience requirements. Any short-form questions could be comparable with multiple companies. Don’t reinvent the wheel, keep a document with your answers and then make small adjustments to tailor to each application.
• Make sure you have time in the first place – Don’t start a long application if you don’t have the time to finish it calmly. It’s not a good feeling to be rushing through hoping you answered everything well. In these cases, save the job for later in the day or that evening when you have time to complete it without panic.

Long job applications can be worth it

It really depends on you, your compensation needs, and your experience if the long application is worth the time to fill out. While I do feel that most long applications are unnecessary, the fact is that many jobs require a long application. So, it’s up to you if it’s worth it. If you’re invested in the opportunity or uniquely qualified, then go for it. If the company has poor reviews or the salary and benefits aren’t where you need them to be, skip that role.

Need help determining if a job is worth the long application, or with the application process itself? Connect with me and learn how I can help you navigate your job search.