Job application questions. Anyone who has looked for a job recently has found the process to incredibly annoying … and frustrating. Someone I know actually bypasses any online application that digs too deeply into personal questions before even speaking with him.
But of course if you don’t apply, you don’t get to speak to them. So you’re stuck either revealing more than you want to way too soon or missing out on a lot of opportunities.
So why all the questions?
As employers rely more and more on automated screening technology (and now even AI), they use these devices to weed out the bad fits. And lessen the number of resumes an actual human has to review.
But of course, as I’ve written about a few times, they also never get to see people who might be great for them … just not in a machine’s eyes. So they come up with job application questions to better target the “right” candidate. And eliminate lots of wrong matches before a real live human even gets to see them.
Although let’s not forget that a human also comes up with the questions that get programmed. And they are not always people who understand the job well enough to perfect their screening for both hard and soft skills. (Yup. That’s true.)
⇒ TIP: Since they target who automated screening lets through, you also need to target your resume and cover letter.
But there is still the application itself asking all kinds of personal questions, including prior salary and age. Things you prefer to handle in person.
Do you have to answer application questions?
Online applications often contain required and not-required questions. So keep a sharp eye out for those that aren’t required (often without an asterisk). But if they are required, you can’t continue without answering.
Still, you can come up with temporary answers that MAY get you through enough for a human to use their judgment. For instance for age or salary try entering a zero.
It may not work, but if your qualifications otherwise are a great match, it may get you to the next step where you can explain. And impress them in all other ways. Better than trying to lie your way into the job — about anything.
Age questions
While Federal law prohibits age discrimination, they can ask you the question. And then dare you to prove that’s why you didn’t get the interview or job. Also if you lie and they find out after hiring you, they can fire you for the LIE and not age discrimination. Fun stuff, huh?
Previous / current salary questions
This is awkward for some people for a number of reasons, so best left to an actual interview. Hopefully the zero will work if it’s a required job application question. But please do answer if you don’t think it will hurt you.
A few reasons why it might it hurt you:
- Your last salary was much lower, but that’s why you’re moving on.
- You haven’t worked in a while, but have necessary skills.
- You’ve taken classes / gotten degrees or certificates that should get you more.
- The job itself deserves much more but they could hold past salary against you.
⇒ MORE: Answering Illegal “What’s Your Current Salary?” Question
Summary thoughts
√ Answer all job application questions if at all possible.
√ Use placeholders where you prefer not to answer.
√ Target your resume and cover letter carefully.
IMPORTANT EXTRA: Network!!!! Human contacts with pull can help get you past any set of stupid job application questions.
Posts to help
10 Resume Writing Tips for Stronger Resumes!
10 Things I Look for When I Screen Resumes and Cover Letters
How Is a Job Application Different from a Resume?
21 Resume Checklist Tips: Did You Forget Anything?
What’s a Resume Screener?
What are Automated Resume Screeners?
Cover Letter Basics: What Goes Into a Strong Cover Letter?
Using Keywords and Keyword Phrases on Resumes
Why a Resume Gets Rejected — Even Good Ones!
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