patrick.net

GNL says

After having several phone interviews, my sister has been given online surveys to take. Each time, a different person was hired.

What field of work? I'm surprised as pretty much any place I've heard of hiring from friends and family will hire anything with a pulse right now even with no/limited experience. At least here in the Midwest. I assume the work then is highly competitive and corporate since it sound like they have an HR department sending out surveys after an interview. That might just be their SOP and they're just checking boxes on a list for feedback on their interviews. I wouldn't look too much into it if I were her.

Also, I question companies that do phone interviews and make a decision based off of that. I don't think it's realistic to get quality employees by talking to them on the phone. I believe it needs to be in person regardless of the job and regardless if you can work remotely. Especially if the job involves interacting with the public in anyway in person. Looks, body language, etc. matter and that can't be read over the phone.

They have been lower skill postions. The last one was for a travelling inspector job inspecting apartment turnovers. My main curiosity was if given an online survey was a tell on whether or not you're a serious candidate. So much has changed since the last time I was in the "workforce" that I wouldn't know the answers to these kinds of questions.

GNL says

They have been lower skill postions.

I have noticed that around here, many people have applied for jobs at the businesses with perpetual "Help Wanted" signs, but no one seems to be getting hired. I suspect the businesses cannot afford to hire, so the "Help Wanted" signs are just a ruse to explain to the public why the store has degraded service from being understaffed. "We would hire more, but we cannot get help."