Job seeker circumnavigates 1,000 character minimum application essays, manages to land an interview: 'Your application box wanted 1,000 characters, so you got exactly that'

• As this author points out from her own experience, sometimes, it's not as simple as writing "see attached resume" or "see answer to previous question." After all, we all know that these applications are likely pre-screened by an automated system before any human gets to see them. You don't want to ruin your chances by writing nothing, and copying the same answer is obviously a no-no as well. 

  This applicant found herself in a unique situation. She applied for what she thought was a perfect opportunity for her. It was a natural fit based on her resume and professional experience. She knew that she was overqualified for this position. However, when it came to the actual application, there was a series of unnecessary essay questions that asked the applicant to essentially repeat themselves a million times. Moreover, there was a steep character minimum for each essay that you needed to hit in order to submit your application. Again, clearly this was designed to make people give up, but this applicant found a clever loophole so she could complete her application, knowing that when the time would come for an interview, she would point out just how unnecessary the whole process was.

• 
  via Unsplash+ (Getty Images)

  A job candidate sits opposite two hiring managers in an interview.

  _{Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.}

• There is a problem with extensive applications. Sure, they might be designed to reduce the number of applicants to so-called “serious contenders.” However, if people have to go through the arduous process of dealing with multiple essays, varying language, and reaching character minimums, recruiters and hiring managers should, at the very least, do these job seekers a favor and read their work. If they're unable to fulfill their end of the bargain, then they should stop with the over-the-top applications. You're only losing strong candidates who might otherwise be interested and qualified for these positions, too!

• "Malicious compliance during my job hunt: your application box wanted 1,000 characters, so you got exactly that"

  
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