In this digitally-driven era, email has become a default method of online communication and work. It serves as a versatile tool for various purposes including personal communication and professional correspondence. Email offering a conventional platform for sending messages, sharing files, and more, it has become an indispensable part of modern digital workflows. Due to its convenience and accessibility, it has become a default method of job application. Applicants can attach their resumes and cover letters in an email, and in just a few clicks, can apply to multiple positions easily. Moreover, the email also provides a sense of formality and professionalism making it a preferred communication channel for both applicants and recruiters.
However, applying via email can lead to inefficient job application processing for various reasons. Manual sorting, lack of standardized formats, and potential for lost emails make it harder for recruiters to manage and evaluate the applications efficiently. It could be a challenging experience for both employers and applicants.
Here in this article, we explore the insightful points on why applying via email leads to inefficient job application processing.
Problems for Applicants:
Lower visibility: Job applications of the applicants may get lost in the inbox or overlooked if the subject line is not precise.
Lack of tracking: Certainly, there is no way to track the status of the submitted application through email. Applicants might remain wondering if the mail even reached the intended recipient.
Potential for errors: Due to manual entry from email attachments into the company’s applicant tracking system, there is a high chance of typos and missing information.
Limited personalization: It is quite challenging for an applicant to stand out from the crowd with email job applications. It is difficult to tailor the application materials specifically for the job description in the email body.
Limited employer branding: Applying via email can prevent the applicants from learning about the employer’s brand and gaining knowledge about the work culture at the company.
Reduced networking opportunities: Most companies use their career portals to showcase employee profiles and internal job profiles. Sending job applications directly could limit the opportunities to network with hiring managers or colleagues.
Problems for employers:
Tracking applications: Employers are likely to receive heaps of job applications for different vacancies which might easily get lost in the inboxes. Thus, it becomes difficult to keep track of the applications and organize them according to post or qualifications.
Inconsistencies in formatting: Job applications sent via email can be in various formats (documents, plain text, etc.). Thus, it becomes a challenge to find specific information during the initial processing.
Time consumption in sorting applications: Sorting through emails could be a time-consuming process for recruiters or hiring managers. Going through a load of irrelevant attachments ultimately delays the process of identifying qualified candidates.
Security concerns: While sending resumes and other applications via email is a common practice, it could raise security concerns, especially when the email server is not encrypted.
How to tackle the inefficiencies?
Though there are multiple inefficiencies with job application processing via email, using a dedicated application system can help to ensure a more efficient and organized process for both applicants and employers. It allows easier screening, faster communication, and a better chance of the application getting noticed. Companies can adopt modern Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline the job application processes.
ATS platforms allow applicants to submit their job applications through a user-friendly interface. This interface eliminates the need for email submissions. Furthermore, the systems automatically scrutinize resume data into standardized formats making it easier for recruiters to filter, search, and compare candidates.
Moreover, ATS platforms also provide features like automated email responses, and status updates while keeping the applicants informed throughout the hiring process. This allows the recruiters to track candidate interaction, collaborate with team members, and schedule interviews directly within the system which ultimately improves communication and efficiency.
Embrace advanced technology to ensure efficient recruiting practices
Though email has served as the default method for job applications in the past, with modern advancements, the time has arrived for organizations to embrace more efficient and transparent recruiting practices.