Boy I feel dumb...question about job applications online.

[Aldo]

So today I spent a good thirty minutes filling out an online job application for a store I would really enjoy working at (it's a movie/comic shop). Then, and only after I submitted the application, did I realize I goofed up and sent it to the wrong location. The one I sent it to is 30 minutes from my house, not the one that's ten minutes down the road I was intending to apply to.

So I tried to rectify the problem and submit one to the location I wanted, but it rejected that saying I had already submitted one to the company. Well that makes sense, because I know stores usually pull from the same applicant pool.

But my question is, how likely am I to be considered for the store I want if I sent my application to the "other" location? I mean I'd hate for the thirty minute away one to contact me and then me having to think if wasting thirty minutes worth of gas is worth it for what will most likely be a part time job.

 

[boobatuba]

You don't have public transportation where you live?

A job is a job. In many cities, 30 minutes is a "light commute."

Another thought: I certainly wouldn't mention it initially if you get an interview. It doesn't say great things about you that you already made a mistake sending your application to the wrong store. Get the job first and then inquire about a transfer to the closer store if possible after a month or so.

 

[Aldo]

All good points, and you're right, if the store calls me I won't pass up a job opportunity. But it doesn't answer my question. Would the location closer to me consider my application even if it was sent to the other store?

 

[Finn]

Was there a section or a question during the online process that asked if you would be willing to consider nearby locations as well?

 

[boobatuba]

All good points, and you're right, if the store calls me I won't pass up a job opportunity. But it doesn't answer my question. Would the location closer to me consider my application even if it was sent to the other store?

How would we know?

Deal with it if/when you get an interview. With the current job situation, that's extremely unlikely anyway. That's no slam on you personally but a general reality.

DO NOT go into the store close to you and explain that you messed up and sent the application to the wrong store. End of potential job. That's about like having a bunch of spelling and/or grammar errors on your application...fast track to file 13, especially in a tight job market.

 

[MacLeod]

^As someone who has reviewed application forms and done interviews. For a job in a store minor spelling and grammer errors wouldn't mean the application would be filed away. Dealing with customers in a store enviroment doesn't require that your spelling/grammer be perfect.

Now if I were reviewing applications for a secreterial position and there were a lot of spelling/grammer errors that would be a different matter as correct spelling/grammer is more important in a position like that.

 

[RoJoHen]

Can you not just go into your preferred store and ask to fill out an application there?

 

[boobatuba]

^As someone who has reviewed application forms and done interviews. For a job in a store minor spelling and grammer errors wouldn't mean the application would be filed away. Dealing with customers in a store enviroment doesn't require that your spelling/grammer be perfect.

Now if I were reviewing applications for a secreterial position and there were a lot of spelling/grammer errors that would be a different matter as correct spelling/grammer is more important in a position like that.

In an environment where there are literally dozens of applications for every job, spelling/grammar are the first line of "weed-out." As an employer, why would I hire someone who spells and communicates poorly when other applicants with similar qualifications do not?

With all due respect, you're completely wrong about this no matter how many applications you've personally reviewed in the past.

 

[Timby]

^As someone who has reviewed application forms and done interviews. For a job in a store minor spelling and grammer errors wouldn't mean the application would be filed away. Dealing with customers in a store enviroment doesn't require that your spelling/grammer be perfect.

Now if I were reviewing applications for a secreterial position and there were a lot of spelling/grammer errors that would be a different matter as correct spelling/grammer is more important in a position like that.

Is this a bad time to point out that it's spelled "grammar?"

 

[Aldo]

Was there a section or a question during the online process that asked if you would be willing to consider nearby locations as well?

No there wasn't.

And no one really answered my question yet.

But just to put all notions to rest. If I get a call from this store that is 30 minutes away, I will not hesitate to go in for a job interview and potentially get a job working there.

 

[MacLeod]

^As someone who has reviewed application forms and done interviews. For a job in a store minor spelling and grammer errors wouldn't mean the application would be filed away. Dealing with customers in a store enviroment doesn't require that your spelling/grammer be perfect.

Now if I were reviewing applications for a secreterial position and there were a lot of spelling/grammer errors that would be a different matter as correct spelling/grammer is more important in a position like that.

In an environment where there are literally dozens of applications for every job, spelling/grammar are the first line of "weed-out." As an employer, why would I hire someone who spells and communicates poorly when other applicants with similar qualifications do not?

With all due respect, you're completely wrong about this no matter how many applications you've personally reviewed in the past.

So you would reject an application based on say one spelling error? Or if a full stop was used instead of a comma?

In the real world some people can write a fantastic CV, give a fantastic interview but not be that great for the job. Whilst some might not interview well or not have the best CV but turn out to be better for the job than the person who had a great CV and interview. Not everyone is an Grade A student when it comes to English. Of course there is a difference between a hand written letter and a printed letter. In a printed letter, in theory a spell check should have been run before spending it.

 

[Nociod]

Can you not just go into your preferred store and ask to fill out an application there?

I second this.

Just go into the store and ask if you can fill out an application. If they ask you to do it online, just tell them that you've also applied to the other store, and that it's not possible to apply again.

DO NOT TELL THEM THAT YOU MISTAKENLY APPLIED AT THE OTHER SITE

 

[Satyrquaze]

All good points, and you're right, if the store calls me I won't pass up a job opportunity. But it doesn't answer my question. Would the location closer to me consider my application even if it was sent to the other store?

If they pull from the same applicant pool as you think, then you shouldn't have a problem... hypothetically.

 

[SmoothieX]

I would simply call whoever the resume went to and let them know you made a simple mistake. We're only human.

How you present yourself at a potential interview is a lot more important than a stray mouse click.

I bring work samples with me to all interviews to show them what I am capable of doing. I've been to interviews where they have commented on my work, and I have comments on theirs. No one is perfect.

It's better to call them and be proactive than to go to the other place half an hour away and sheepishly tell it wasn't the store you meant. Then you just look like a dumbass.

 

[boobatuba]

So you would reject an application based on say one spelling error? Or if a full stop was used instead of a comma?

Stop being so pedantic. I never said anything about "one error." Tell me, as someone who has reviewed applications in the past, how do you decide between ten qualified applicants?

I'm saying that among dozens of qualified applicants for a particular job, the ones who don't express themselves well or make spelling, arithmetic, or other basic mistakes are the easiest to dismiss first. Or, similarly, those who make a mistake in the application procedure such as sending it to the wrong store. Don't be one of those folks.

And no one really answered my question yet.

For the second time...how could anyone possibly know?

 

[doubleohfive]

^As someone who has reviewed application forms and done interviews. For a job in a store minor spelling and grammer errors wouldn't mean the application would be filed away. Dealing with customers in a store enviroment doesn't require that your spelling/grammer be perfect.

Now if I were reviewing applications for a secreterial position and there were a lot of spelling/grammer errors that would be a different matter as correct spelling/grammer is more important in a position like that.

Is this a bad time to point out that it's spelled "grammar?"

 

[RoJoHen]

And no one really answered my question yet.

For the second time...how could anyone possibly know?

Yeah. I mean, are they actually looking to hire for this position, or was this just a cold application to a company that may or may not have open positions? Different stores have different needs. Maybe the closer store doesn't have any openings for the position you applied for. Hell, maybe neither store has any openings.

In my experience, applying to a business that isn't explicitly looking for new employees doesn't really get you very far. They probably get tons of applications.

If I recall correctly, you work for a grocery store? Are you applying at a different grocery store, or is it a different type of business? Is the position you're applying for a more common job with a lot of turnover, or is it more specialized like a management position?

 

[ladyheather69]

We can't really answer your question. We know nothing about the position you applied for, or if it was open for hire at the store closest to you.
I would think that by applying online, you put yourself out there for any of the locations. If you get a call from the one that is further away, I wouldn't turn it down--which is what you said. I also wouldn't worry so much. Maybe you will find that you like the people at this store and wouldn't want to transfer.

 

[Aldo]

I currently work at a craft store where my hours went from decent to crappy all in the space of a month. So I'm just filling out applications at the moment tryhing to either get myself a second job, or get a new job all together.

 

[RoJoHen]

Have you considered looking at craigslist or something that actually lists job openings? I've gotten lots of job offers in the last few years from responding to craigslist ads. If the stores you're applying to aren't actually looking for new employees right now, your application is just going to get lost in a pile of other applications that may never even get looked at.