Applying for a job over the internet

Does anyone remember when you wanted to apply for a job, you had to go in, sometimes with a resume sometimes not, either way you still filled out an application and you got to speak with someone?  What happened to being able to make a first impression by applying in person?  Now everything is internet applications.  I have filled over 100 internet applications out looking for a job.  Not one single call from a prospective employer, but I sure as heck got calls from every school in the country wanting to continue my education.  Little exaggeration here, but I think you get the idea.  Even when you check off that YOU DO NOT WANT TO CONTACTED BY A SCHOOL OR OTHER LEARNING INSTITUTION you are still contacted.  When you are trying to get a job the last thing you need is your phone ringing all the time with call from recruiters for schools, instead of prospective employers. 

Now as for applying for jobs online, here is a trick some people don't know: every application is vetted through a computer, if certain key words are not in you resume or application, consideration for the job is not even a possibility.  The application and resume never make it to the employer who is hiring.  This is frustrating and annoying.  Getting a job is about your ability to perform the job, and being able to communicate with others, including a possible employer.  What happened to first impressions?  Even if a new Pizza Hut or McDonald's is hiring, you still have to fill out application online.  I worked for McDonald's as my first job and when I applied recently online, my resume and application never made it to the proper people because I did not have the CORRECT KEY WORDS.  I could run that place with my eyes closed!  Online applications are convenient because you don't have to drive anywhere to apply, BUT you also don't get a chance to actually talk to the hiring manager, store manager or anyone else.  First impressions when meeting a prospective employer are important, especially for kids who are in school and need a part time job or those who are out of school and need a full time job. 

It's time to take the computers out of the equation when applying for a job. Fill out an application online and send your resume, but it's time to take the computer gatekeeper out of the equation and let real people actually read the resumes and talk to the applicants.  Anyone can put in the correct key words in an application if they know about it, (which most don't) and know nothing about the actual job, just did a little research.  You hire this person because they matched all the key words, but when they actually start working you realize they are clueless.  Even worse, they are not easy to work with or just in general have a nasty attitude.  This works for them because they can keep getting jobs, even if they are fired.  As long as they research and use the correct key words, the computer will keep sending the application on.  This is not fair to the general public.  We need to go back to applying for jobs in person, or at the least have REAL people look at them, not some stupid computer looking for key words.  I won't even start on some of the "personality" tests some of these employers make you take after you fill out all your information on the application, attached your resume and then said ok, now just one more thing.  Some of the questions are just obvious, some are just stupid, and others don't make sense.  I will mention that the time it takes to fill out the application and answer the personality tests can be over an hour long!  You can tell I have issues with this, anyone else see the same thing or is it just me?