Graduate sector news

Graduates commend companies for online applications

20/7/2009
A recent survey has found that while online applications are now commonly accepted for graduate jobseekers, there are still wide variations in the quality of systems used.

The GTI Online Recruitment Student User Survey 2009 asked over 1,300 graduates and students to report on their experiences of online applications.

The findings show that online systems are now generally recognised as the mainstream way of making an application and that applicants are skilled in their use. The research also suggests that there is still variable quality in the systems used. There is a conflict between employers insisting on using open-ended questions, and applicants who are not prepared to spend time on them. However the issue on which all are in agreement is that any online application system must have clear objectives, be properly tested, technically efficient, and fair and welcoming to all prospective applicants.

Respondents commended a number of FTSE 100 companies for their online application processes. Most of the respondents' comments were positive in general. When asked what they liked, graduates mentioned speed, convenience/cost-effectiveness, fairness and presentation. They also said they believe that a standardised application process is the fairest way to assess candidates.

57% said that what they appreciated most was being able to save and return to their application form. Also highly valued is the facility for completing sections of the form in any order.

When asked what their objections were to applications forms they'd used online, respondents cited complexity and also sections that are irrelevant to the candidate. Other problems included slow download speeds and difficulties in finding the form in the first place.