When job hunting, is it legal for an employer to refuse a paper application & send you to a website?

Michael B

Yes, it is legal. A company can set up any manner of accepting job applications that they prefer. Some only accept walk-in applications. Some require typed applications.

mbrcatz

Anyone can have free internet access through your local library.

More to the point, maybe the internet is an issue to make sure the candidates are internet-saavy, or creative enough to overcome an accessibility issue.

But the bottom line is, yes, it's legal. Practically, If someone wanted me to make an exception when they're asking me to HIRE them, well, they don't have a snowball's chance in hell of me hiring them. Because they'll want a ton MORE exceptions for all kinds of stuff if I do.

If you can't follow the policies & procedures to get HIRED, how on earth are you going to WORK there??

Tikva

The local public library should have a computer available to gain access to a website.

This is how most companies manage applications now.

Judy

It isn't illegal, but probably not a good idea for the employer to do that way, unless the job itself requires the person to be good on the Internet.

Most public libraries provide free computer access, so pretty much everyone can have access to the Internet. Of course, the ability to use a computer is another question - not everyone has that.

SICARIUS

When job hunting... you are the lion... Lions ambush their prey. NO, don't hurt them. But rather hit them with different strategies. Show up there one week....(you are not applying yet) and ask for the manager. Ask him or her...

What do you look in a applicant? I am thinking about applying here in the future. (This defuses their guards and you get information you can later use against them)

What traits are most useful in the position?

What would set an applicant apart from the others?

Then...

Learn about the company (recent changes, stock health, acquisitions, and corporate changes) This will show a lot of dedication for a company you don't even work for yet.

Maybe a week later... Fill out the application online... then go to the store a talk to the general manager. Give them a print out and a copy of your resume. Sell your face, sell your dedication... Even if he or she throws your stuff away... he or she will remember that you went up to him or her with it. If you don't hear anything... then go back next week.

Tell the manager, I want to learn more about the position. You are not pesting him with getting the job. You are showing motivation, loyalty, and sincere interest in the position. Even if she or he tells you to leave... ask one more question before you leave... "What else can I do to make sure I am preparing for this job?" And then leave.. (for that week that is..) When you leave, they will think of you as someone less of a pest and more of go-getter... and good managers love that. If they don't, worry not... you don't to work for losers anyway.

Once you have gone up to the manager several times with questions.... you will probably have high respect for you. The key is not showing up with the same dumb question. Think, strategize, and sell yourself.

Regards,

Omar

Stacy's Mom

I donâ€™t think this is illegal. In fact, itâ€™s pretty standard.

The online process helps HR departments. They can set up a filter so that only applications that contain a minimum number of key words from the posting make it through to a live HR person. The application can also ask questions like â€œAre you willing to travel?â€ If the job requires this and you say no, the application may not let you proceed.

This probably also helps weed out people who canâ€™t use computers. Most businesses donâ€™t have the time or resources to teach basic computer skills.

Kimberly

Its perfectly legal. Paper applications are "long and tedious" for employers to store and review. He can go to the library, or Kinkos to access a computer.

yourmtgbanker

It is legal. More and more companies are using web based applications. A lot of these companies have computers available onsite for prospective clients to use to fill out their application. If not they can use computers open to the public such as the library. Paper applications are not as widely accepted in corporate America these days.

Sandra R

Yes it is legal. Most EVERYONE has access to computers and the internet. I.E. LIBRARY. It might be a pain in the rear if your particular library always has a line! but you do have choices.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: