The New Application Process

There was a time when you could just walk into any shop, store, or other business and fill out an application. You would at least have a chance to meet your prospective employer face to face and get a feel for the operation. Not any more. Most companies require you to fill out an application on the internet and wait for a response. Ha Ha. Some of you may know this game and realize it stinks.

When you fill out an application on line, it just sort of disappears into limbo. Very few companies even acknowledge receipt of the application, let alone your status. This is very discouraging, especially if you're trying to collect unemployment and the state wants records of where you applied. How can you prove you applied without an email proving it??

Some companies have become so disassociated with working with people that if you stop into the shop, they turn you away. They don't want to talk to you. Take Weatherford International for instance. I applied for a job in California and went down to visit with the hiring manager to put some face time in so he knew who was at the other end of the resume/application. The receptionist told me that Weatherford does not take applications in person and that the hiring manager would not meet with anyone whom just "walked in." NIIIIICCCCEEEE. I travel 800 miles to check out the area and get shut down. Not just Weatherford, but Baker-Hughes and others. They don't want to get personal. They don't want to be bothered knowing the people they are turning away.

At least Baker-Hughes has been nice enough to send out a "Thanks, but no thanks" letter some of the times. Most companies don't even do that. Most companies won't even allow you to check online about the status of your application. Very frustrating.

Now the good news. There are recruiters that do read every application they receive. Some call to get further information and screen out the posers. At least that's something. Some recruiters will even give you the name of the hiring manager, which gives me the nod to make a personal visit and at least introduce myself. A foot in the door is all I need.

What ever you do, don't give up. There are jobs out there and despite government regulations and intervention, we will be put back to work. And it looks like it's getting close.