Online Application Glitches

Dear Deb:

I recently completed an online application, and when I got to the part of the application that asked me to self-identify, I was not unable to uncheck the box for “Vietnam Era Veteran.” I am not a veteran, and I wanted to check the appropriate box, but the software wouldn’t allow me to do so. After about ten minutes, I gave up, and just clicked “submit.”

Yesterday I received a call from a recruiter at the company. I immediately told her that when I filled out the online application, the software had a glitch, and that I was unable to check my correct veteran status. Her response? “I cannot proceed with your candidacy any further. Lying on the application excludes an applicant from consideration.” I was stunned. I tried to explain again that the ATS did not allow me to note my status, but she would hear none of it. I’m disgusted and confused.

Signed,

Puzzled

Dear Puzzled:

You have every right to be disgusted and confused. Their software was malfunctioning, you were upfront about it, and now you’re excluded for “lying”? This is beyond obtuse. Obviously, this is not a company you want to work for. I can’t help but wonder if the company’s hiring managers are aware of the inflexible HR policies, which surely are preventing them from making good hires.  A good HR person would have said, “Oh, I’m sorry about that, Puzzled. I will get our IT folks on that right away so that it doesn’t happen to anyone else! Now, can you tell me about your recent experience at Acme Explosives?” Be glad that you are not engaging with a company that values process over outcomes!

—Deb