Much I used to hate having to spend 10 minutes filling out those written apps., I'm still not comfortable with online apps. I feel like the written apps. had a greater potential of being seen....while online apps. are easily overlooked.

Filling out any kind of app is a pain in the ass, but back when I was job-hunting, I much prefered paper applications. Most online applications have those ridiculous 100-question-assessment-tests, which are completely stupid - that's the main reason I prefered paper applications. And I've always felt, too, that they were more likely to be overlooked.

When I applied for my job eight years ago, they were still doing paper applications; they have since switched to applying online. From what I hear, most jobs that do paper applications don't look at 30% of them. They look over the first ten or so that are on top, put the rest in a file box, store them for approximately six months, and then dump them. If you don't hear back in that window of time, it's like you never applied. Online applications are saved in the system indefinitely and stay in circulation for years. The downside, however, is because there is more competition with this method, employers scrutinize qualifications more.

i prefer paper applications.

Online applications are saved in the system indefinitely and stay in circulation for years. The downside, however, is because there is more competition with this method, employers scrutinize qualifications more.

That is an interesting point. I never thought of the difference between the two.