Ask HN: why are job application websites so broken?

1 pointsviandante14y ago1 comments

Hi,

I'd like to know why big companies job boards are so broken. Every time I try to apply for a job I have to:

1) Waste 1 hr inserting information that is already on my curriculum. 2) Fight with the website that is usually broken at some level or counter intuitive.

Is somebody working on this? Is there a sane way to apply for a job in a big corp?

1 comments

1 comments · 1 top-level

comm_it14y ago

From my experience with grad jobs, it's due to the large volume of applications, each of which are different. Some attach cover letters, some detail their grades, etc.

Though it's a horrible method, it means all of the data from an application will be in a standardised format, which can be compared with other applicants, queried, etc. very easily.

If you meet their minimum criteria they can then actually look at your cover letter and CV. Broken system, but they're all the same.

Sane way is speaking directly to recruiters or hiring managers.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse