What happens to my application once I hit "SUBMIT"?

I know that for candidates looking for opportunities hitting the "Submit" button on an on-line application is an act of faith - an act of faith that the application isn't just disappearing into a black hole where it never sees the light of day. I thought I'd share what actually happens, at least at Pinnacol, to your application once you hit "Submit".

Immediately after you hit "Submit" three things automatically happen:

• A screen should come up letting you know that we have received your application and that it will be reviewed. It also let's you know that if we need additional information or would like to schedule an interview we will be in touch.
• An e-mail explaining the same thing as in the bullet above is automatically sent to the e-mail address you have given us. Occasionally people do mis-type their addresses so please make sure you enter yours correctly. We have heard from some candidates that they didn't receive this automatic e-mail and what we have found is depending on your e-mail system it may be getting held in the spam filter. So if you don't immediately see this e-mail please check your spam filter. 
• The third thing that happens is that your application comes to my desk in "My New Applications". I don't know if this will always be the case given where technology may go, but we still look at every single application  that comes in. Your application will be seen by human eyes. 

When we are reviewing your application we are looking to see how closely you match the requirements of the position for which you are applying. If it appears to be a good match we forward your information electronically to the hiring manager for their review. Working with the hiring manager we then come up with the list of candidates selected for an interview.

If your application is not a close match for the position you are applying for we do consider you for other positions that are open that might be a closer fit. Candidates should not be surprised if they sometimes receive a call from us regarding a position other than the one they applied for.

Candidates sometimes ask me whether we "save" their applications for future consideration when new positions become open. Your application is retained in our system but I always recommend to candidates that they complete a new application if they see another position in a month or so that they are interested in. We get a large volume of candidates so our focus is on those applying for the currently open positions and not on those who may have applied 6 months or a year ago.

When our positions are filled we take them off of the Careers section of our company website. We don't send out an e-mail to every candidate letting them know the position is now filled, but for those who have interviewed with us we will let them know their specific status.

That's a glimpse at what is happening behind the scenes to your application once you hit the "Submit" button. We really do appreciate your interest in our company and look forward to reviewing your information!