Dratz, foiled again...

Yesterday I applied on line for a position to which I believed I was qualified. Nothing new there. The software program used by this particular university is used by all institutions in this great state. Many, many non-state schools across the country use it as well. I was therefore very familiar with the process. I was therefore very familiar with the process. oh, did I say that already? I should also point out that for this and many other schools on line applications are the only way to apply for positions these days.

The process took over an hour. The point that I had never applied for anything at that particular institution added to what might normally be a twenty minute process. As well, the particular position required six different attachments; cover letter, resume, writing samples, teaching philosophy etc.. Most schools only allow you to attach your cover letter and resume/vita. I imagine that the reason for this is to save on paper and unnecessary documents at least during the initial phase. They usually ask for other attachments only after you have made the first cut. Anyway, I had all of this stuff in general format on a flash drive or two so, it wasn't any problem until...

After creating a password, profile and applying in part for the position by uploading the necessary documents, it was now 45 minutes later and I was at the screen which states:

You WILL NOT BE considered for this position until you have attached
all documents. Are you sure you want to finish attaching
documents?

I click YES. The next screen tells me that I have not completely applied for this position and my application and attached documents wont be accepted by the system until I click the FINISHED button at the bottom of the page. Oh but look... there is no FINISHED button at the bottom of the page. No, there must be some mistake! I back page and click through again. -Same message. I look again and again in vain for that rascally FINISHED button. It was simply not there. I go to the section that lists jobs I've applied for at this institution. There was the job I had just attempted to apply. All the attachments are well, attached but, in the status column the word incomplete was highlighted. The word complete was also highlighted there. I click through that and then I'm taken back to that, You WILL NOT BE... screen. I try this several times. The FINISHED button just isn't there and you can figure out the rest.

I chuckle to myself thinking about the HR person sitting at her desk wondering why no one ever completes her online application process. I notice a feedback button to the left. I mistakenly believe that this was to send a message about my problem. It however was a 10-15 minute survey about my online application experience. At one point I am presented with an opportunity to relate my FINISHED button problem. I do this but only half-heartily because my eyes burn a little, I'm hungry and my bladder's full.