[sdalfakj]

> Our biggest gripe is that at least 50% of the applicants never follow our instructions on how to apply correctly. We put very specific steps on how to apply and want it followed (i.e. subject line, cover letter, links to portfolio, PDF resume).

You need to consider the ROI for the applicant before saying "OMG follow instructions."

Too many of your fellow employers ignore applicants (ROI = none), even those they interviewed. No "we received the application," no "here's where you seem to lack," no "here's where you seem to be strong." Even introductory classes with 300-400 students in them provide more feedback to their constituents than employers to candidates.

Hence many of your applicants decrease their investment as much as possible.

I do not have 30-40 minutes to twist and turn words in order for them to fit to your specific job description to let you know that I know the shit out of [insert skill]. Not because I don't care about you but because I already assume, looking at previous experiences, that you don't care about me (both as a candidate and as an employee).

It is your job to accurately spot potential and current skills from a resume and respond to the applicant with a request for more information. (In situations where you do not have a separate HR department for recruitment, then do ask for all information outright, but don't be surprised and judgemental when you do not receive it. If the candidate is of interest, reply back and ask for more information again.)

[matwood]

This is an excellent point. I have been contacted directly by companies before when they find my LinkedIn, Github or website. Occasionally they interest me so I have updated my resume and forwarded it along only to never hear from them again[1]. Luckily I'm happy at my current job and don't have to deal with the annoyances right now.

[1] Oddly enough, my public profile is pretty sparse so a more in depth resume shouldn't really turn anyone off.

[peteboyd]

Yes, I definitely consider the time of the applicant. I would hate to miss a good person by making it tough to apply.

I am thinking it should be five minutes or less to apply to our job. 30 to 45 minutes seems like A LOT. I am not sure I would even take that amount of time to apply for a job. I would rather introduce myself personally via email or social networks to the employer than spend that time.

One point is that Indeed.com and other job boards make it too easy to apply. I believe, that within a few clicks and someone can apply to a posting, so often the person may not have read the ad fully.

This is turning more and more into a blog post. I should run the stats on our last posting of craiglist vs. indeed and showcase the data.

Oddly enough, I think our final choice came from indeed. But out of the eight actual interviews, I know the other seven came from craigslist posting (or blog post). Of the other indeed candidates, I remember going on a roll of saying "nope" to about 10 to 15 in a row because they did not meet our needs (no experience, etc). Probably need to add a filter in the job posting.