Online Application Word Count

[erin-x]

Since June I have applied for over 20 jobs with the local council, all unsuccessfully. On the online application where you answer the questions there is a maximum character count of 4000. Every response I write averages at about 1000/1500 words. Do you think i'm writing too little and it's affecting my chances? I kind of thought that they would get fed up reading it if you used all 4000 characters.

Just an example... this box is the same... and I have used 490/4000 for this question.

[Maydup]

4,000 words does seem high. But it might be worth phoning the HR dept and asking them. They will be happy to tell you what's expected.

Also ask them for some feedback on one or two of your previous applications. It might be something you can change but if not and its just bad luck, at least you'll be known to them and will have shown willing to improve and enthusiastic. Good luck.

[chattykathy]

You should go through the person and job spec and try to make a comment or give an example/evidence of how you meet each one. Most interviewers will have a 'tick sheet' so will compare your application to the set of criteria/spec. Obviously also make sure your grammar and spelling is perfect.

[buildersmate]

4000 characters is about 600 words. You are writing far too much and they are probably ignoring you for not following instructions.

[venator]

Does the application form accept your input in full?
Most forms will stop when the character count has been reached.
It's just possible that your input has been cut off.

You could try writing the input in Word and doing a character count, then copy and paste it into the form when you're sure it's below the 4000.

As maidup says, you could check with HR.

[joko]

characters mean individual letters, not whole words...
and sometimes can include spaces... you are writing way too many words

do a check in word...

[erin-x]

I wasn't going near the character count, that was the problem. I have however been put through for 4 interviews from the last batch of applications. Maybe I just needed to show persistence. That last batch consisted of 14 applications so I think i've shown them that I really want a job! :-) Thanks for the replies though :-)