Have you ever applied to a job and an hour into the thirty question application wondered if it was worth it? Or maybe you clicked apply and were directed to a login screen to find that you’re still three steps away from beginning the actual application. Did you muddle through? Walk away? Save it for later?
To employers, detailed applications may seem like the right choice: get as much information as possible up front to help narrow the hiring process as quickly as possible. To job seekers, spending hours on complex applications to send them into the void (maybe never to hear back) is an investment many won’t make. This doesn’t mean these job seekers are lazy, but rather that they can recognize opportunities that are worth their time.
According to Indeed, the more complex the application the higher the drop off in applicant flow. When your application has just 10 questions there is a 17% reduction in applicants. 30 questions saw a 50% drop, and 45+ questions caused an 88% reduction in applicants. As an employer, a “detailed” application might not be worth the risk.
Here are a few ways you can simplify your application process:
Essentials Only
You might have 80 questions you’d like to ask applicants, but chances are their resume and a few key screening questions are enough for the first phase of your screening process. Asking applicants to do more might weed out talent that would be a great fit for your organization. Get the essentials up front, and build in more detailed applications as a second step.
Fewer Clicks
Especially as more and more job seekers use their mobile devices to search for jobs, having a streamlined job application process is necessary. Limit your application to one page and work with your team to see how applications can be completed in as few clicks as possible.
No Logins
Asking job seekers to create a login before they can complete an application is a sure way to scare off candidates. This is an extra set of steps before they even reach the application, usually making job seekers navigate away from the page to get the email confirmation.
You’ve worked hard to attract talent to your opportunities, don’t get in your own way with a complex application. Make it easy to apply, and they will.
