Everything has its ups and downs, and online applications are no different. There are some ways that the online job application revolution has rocked the world of job seekers for the better, and others that leave us all staring at the screen stuck somewhere between rage and confusion. The Black Hole is one of those things.
What is The Black Hole? If you’ve conducted a job search online in the last five years, I don’t have to tell you what this is. It’s the feeling you get when you’ve submitted what feels like a million job applications and heard absolutely nothing back. No emails from real people. No phone calls. Maybe an automated response (if you’re lucky) but otherwise absolutely no response.
Why does it happen? The job market is so tough that hiring managers are swamped with applications. It’s nearly impossible for them to read all of them, and if they responded personally to each candidate, they’d never have time to hire and train new employees.
What can you do about it?
First: Don’t take it personally. It’s not about you, hiring managers are human too and have to complete their tasks within a certain amount of time. In a competitive market, they literally do not have time to contact each applicant individually. They are spending that time trying to determine the best applicant for the job (hopefully you)!
Second: Submit an error-free application and follow up. It shows you are motivated and sets you apart from other applicants.
Though you still won’t hear back from every application, following the right steps to get an interview can lead to a higher number of calls from potential employers.
About Amy White
When listing work experience, how far back should one list? I was told 10-15 years tops. If I list all of my work experience dating back to 1970, this seems to stereotype me with my age. Thanks
Hi Patricia – it’s not necessary to list all your experience, but listing your relevant experience is a good idea. Check out this article for more ways to write a resume when you have tons of experience: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/experienced-resume/.
I just wanted to point out the typo in the first sentence. As you should know, “it’s” is ALWAYS a contraction for “it is” or “it has” — you wouldn’t say “Everything has IT IS ups and downs,” would you? Sorry, but this is a big pet peeve of mine, and it’s (it is) inexcusable on a blog that has among ITS articles some great advice on error-free resumes.
Other than that, good article.
Nice catch! I’ve updated it – thanks Cathy
Most online applications have assessment tests. If you don’t pass that assessment, you’re not considered for employment. I checked up on my application for Target and that was the answer I got. Managers have a tough job, they also have to follow company standards on who they hire. Then again, I don’t know how it works.
Other managers I’ve talked told me that my availability was great and thanked me for being on time for the interview. Those were pluses for me, but when it came down to it, I just didn’t fit their standards for being hired.
Thanks for sharing that Shelia – it sounds like you’re following up and doing everything right – we’ve got our fingers crossed for you!
I’ve noticed I sink into the black hole of online apps so often, and so many places have gone to them now that I am reluctant to apply to a job I’d really like to do, just because I know I’m going to sit in a server and rot.
Another issue I have is these assessment/ethics tests. Even if I answer one wrong, that doesn’t mean I’m not qualified and eager to do the job. I wish they’d quit weighting so much on these tests, and maybe talk to someone. I’m well aware it takes a lot of time and money, but I think companies are missing out on GREAT people by relying on these tests.
Hi Emily – Assessments can be scary, but they can also help you avoid a job that may not be right for you. Check out this article, I think it can help you: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/the-right-answer-to-assessment-questions/.
I have one more comment to make: What recommendations can you give me about how to conduct myself during an interview?
Great question! How you conduct yourself can really make or break an interview. Check out this article for some common mistakes employers tell us they are seeing: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/interview-mistakes/. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hey Amy,
The article is really informative; I haven’t been in the job market for years and though it was different then it is a real beast now. My fiance and I are finding it completely frustrating, especially since employers are demanding much for extremely low wages. My aim is to first get our resumes together and I am requesting direction on this because I have a current job and he is retired. I need direction on the proper format. I am a strong writer, so this helps. I will listen to any suggestions you have. BTW, in your first paragraph’ the word “job” has a numerical “0″.
how do i apply online job applications for kmart in south australia modbury 5092. I am interested in applying for a job thru kmart in the provided area.
Hi Sally-Anne! At this time Snagajob’s postings are for jobs in the United States only. Your best bet would be to go into the Kmart and ask if they are hiring. Good luck!
Amy,
My problem is I have been on SSD for the past 10yrs. Due to an auto accident. I had to go through several surgeries and physical therapy. Now I am in a program called Ticket to Work which is not doing me much good. But at any rate I know when employers see my resume and see my gap in employment I am skipped over. I have kept up on computer skills and volunteered and my granddaughters school. Thats another thing, my age. I am 56. But I am smart, vibrant, been to college, and had excellent work experience. I have putting applications for almost a year now. I cover all these things in my cover letter. The Black Hole does make it difficult. Heck even the Dollar Store hires over the internet. Which I could not even get a job there at christmas time. Lol! Any suggestions?
Hi Jennie – I am sorry to hear about your situation. Check out this article: http://www.snagajob.com/resources/how-to-overcome-gaps-of-unemployment-2/ I think it can really help. Let me know if you have any questions!