actually, that brings up a really great point. This could be an interesting article. Considering how much the web focuses on 'conversion of web leads' and making the entire process seamless, you'd think you could quantify the candidates lost (and put a dollar figure on it) simply because the interface wasn't friendly and turned away candidates. However, all too often i feel that the goal for everyone involved but the hiring manager, is a seat filled.
Anecdotally, I was prompted 'Zip code required' on a multinational company talent portal. Tried to fix and submit for at least 60 seconds before finally had to modify the CSS to show the input so I could put in a value, as Zip input was set to display:none. I figured at least there would be less competition for the role.
If you deliberately made it that way and told your candidates, it might work well. If you're a web dev and can't figure out how to un-hide a field, then you don't deserve an interview.
Anecdotally, I was prompted 'Zip code required' on a multinational company talent portal. Tried to fix and submit for at least 60 seconds before finally had to modify the CSS to show the input so I could put in a value, as Zip input was set to display:none. I figured at least there would be less competition for the role.