A job application can begin with genuine interest and end with an unfinished form.

For employers, this creates a frustrating gap between candidates who want to apply and candidates who actually complete the process. For jobseekers, a lengthy online form can become a barrier before they ever have the opportunity to demonstrate their suitability for the role.

Application abandonment is not always about a lack of interest. Sometimes, the process itself gets in the way.

Why online forms can lose candidates

Job applications can involve numerous fields, repeated information, dropdown menus, text boxes and mandatory questions.

The longer and more complicated the process becomes, the greater the effort required from the candidate.

This can be particularly challenging for people who have difficulty typing, using a keyboard or navigating complex digital interfaces.

It can also affect people who are applying from a mobile device, using assistive technology or completing a form in a language that is not their first language.

Reducing unnecessary friction therefore has the potential to improve both accessibility and the overall candidate experience.

A different way to complete a form

The Intelligent Voice Companion from Accessibility Toolbar offers an alternative approach.

Instead of requiring users to type their answers into individual fields, the Companion allows them to complete an online form using their voice.

It automatically detects questions within a form and guides the user through them conversationally.

The user simply speaks their answer.

From application form to completed submission

The experience is designed to work from beginning to end.

As the user answers questions, their responses appear in a live side panel, giving them a clear view of what has been captured.

If they make a mistake or change an answer, they can ask the Companion to edit it using their voice.

Before the form is submitted, the Companion provides a guided final review, reading the answers back and giving the user an opportunity to confirm or request changes.

This creates a much more conversational experience than working through a long series of individual fields.

Useful across multiple sectors

Although job applications are an obvious use case, organisations across many industries rely heavily on forms.

Healthcare organisations use forms for patient registration, medical histories, referrals and consent.

Financial services and banking rely on applications, account opening, customer information and compliance processes.

Insurance companies use forms for applications, claims and policy changes.

Government and public sector organisations collect information through benefits applications, licences, permits and other services.

Education providers use forms for admissions, enrolment, registration and permissions.

Property and real estate businesses rely on tenant applications, inspections and inventories.

HR and recruitment teams use forms for job applications, onboarding and employee information.

Retail, hospitality and travel businesses also use forms for orders, bookings, registration, feedback and customer enquiries.

And the list continues across legal services, construction, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, utilities, telecommunications, charities and logistics.

Voice can remove a significant barrier

The Intelligent Voice Companion supports more than 50 languages, allowing users to interact in their preferred language while generating answers in English with spelling and grammar support.

It is also completely hands-free, meaning users can complete a form without typing or tabbing through fields.

For organisations, that creates an opportunity to rethink a common digital pain point: what happens when someone wants to complete your form, but the form itself makes that difficult?

Making forms easier to complete can improve accessibility while creating a smoother experience for customers, applicants, patients, students and service users.Want to see how voice technology can transform the way people complete online forms? Discover the Intelligent Voice Companion from Accessibility Toolbar.