Required Information -- Are They Serious? (CV, employment, applying, application)

[michael917]

I was attempting to apply online for a job at what seems like a solid, decent company. However, their application process leaves a lot to be desires. They first ask you to upload a resume, as you'd expect, but then you need to fill out a long, detailed form with lots of the same info. But that's not my biggest concern.

My problem is that, in asking about my previous employer (or in my case, the place I still work) they ask for things like the company's phone number and my supervisor's name/title. These are required fields and you can't apply without providing the info. Except, I can't risk them calling my present employers.

Also, even more absurd, they ask for the name and address of MY HIGH SCHOOL. Uh, I'm 42 years old, and you're going to call my high school to make sure I actually graduated? Really??!

I don't want to waste a lot of time on a company that I'll probably never hear from anyway. But for the record, how would you handle the required information issue if I wanted to proceed?

[BobNJ1960]

What is the question? Required, get it. Answer or drop out of consideration.

[joe from dayton]

It sounds like the only way to submit an application is to fill in the required fields. I am not sure what the question is. Fill out the app or don't. I have never heard of a potential employer calling a current employer simply because an application was turned in. It sounds like every application I have ever filled out.

[Suburban_Guy]

I don't see anything unusual or malicious about the things being asked on the application as per the OP.

Every company I applied online required those information, except for the high school bit. There's an education section that allows you to list your post secondary education (if any).

And when it comes to employment history, I've always put my current employer and supervisor down. There has been a checkbox option though that asks if they may contact your current employer. I've always checked no and explained it later, but never been a problem and they respected my wishes. It never hurt my application either.

[MSchemist80]

Check no and instead of giving your supervisor's direct number give HR's instead.

[sandsthetime]

Some online apps include a "Later" option in addition to the standard yes and no. I'd recommend selecting that box if possible. Of course, what is the definition of later? Could be after you receive an offer or a month from your application date when they review the apps. Keep in mind that the company can reject your wishes if they choose to and contact anyway. One careless misread by an HR professional can land you in some big trouble.

[Canaletto 1697]

just put in the general office hr number with one digit off. That way if some greenhorn or spiteful hr person decides to call, they won't be able to reach them. If you're currently employed I would put "confidential large software company" . I wouldn't put real names, real address or phone of company. If you put the real name, all they have to do is google and you're done. They'll have it all then. Just fill in the blanks with some info.That will push it through to the next thing.

[Mr_Geek]

This sounds pretty standard. And if you are applying for a job with the qualification being a HS diploma, then yes, they might ask to verify it.

[michael917]

I suppose my question is, how can I be assured they won't contact my present employer if I am required to give them this information? There was no obvious way to indicate that on the application. I've applied to bunches of jobs at this point and have never been asked to provide information about my present employer beyond what's mentioned in my resume.

[514gal]

With the exception of the high school info this is pretty standard for online applications. Only way to get around the form is to network and get someone inside the company to pass your cv along to the hiring manager