I was driving around today, saw a place was hiring. I went inside to get an application...and they refused to give me one. Why? Because I wanted to take it home with me, this was a walk-in...I didn't have my references and employment history handy.
I asked why I wasn't allowed to take it home
Reason Given: "Because then there's no way of knowing if you'll bring it back."
I stated that I wanted one because I -did- want to bring it back.
Reason Given: "There's no way of knowing that's true. I have only a limited amount of applications, and I don't intend to lose anymore."
By that point, I gave up.
More reason to remember to keep my reference and work history handy in the car in case of potential walk-in experiences, I guess. Still, I have to wonder if I want to work for a place that can't afford to make copies. Posted by Artemisia Tridentata (Member # 8746) on :
For many years, we required that the application be filled out on site. It was the best way to make sure that the applicant could read and write. Many of our classifications required that the worker follow a detailed written operating procedure. It was a safety imperative the they be able to read.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I was going to say. You probably don't want to work for a place with policies (if it was policy) or people (if it was just the person) like that.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Are you hiring? *tries not to sound desparate*
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Doubtful that they gave you the real reason. I knew of several companies who wouldn't allow that because "excellent written and verbal skills" meant fluent in speaking and writing English, and they were afraid that an application taken home would be filled out by someone who could read/write English for someone who couldn't. But they didn't want to admit that. Not to say that was their reason, but I think it more likely that the cost of making copies was indeed a false reason. (Edit -- or what A.T. said.)
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
It may also have been a crass way of screening out applicants who aren't really that interested.
Posted by Artemisia Tridentata (Member # 8746) on :
We are now in the process of implimenting a "paperless" system. So many of our jobs now require at least a nodding acquaintance with a computer/ keyboard, that it makes sense to have that screening up front.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Wouldn't it make more sense to test that sort of thing at a skills test at the interview, rather than inconveniencing everyone who applies for the job? Maybe I'm just biased because I work in an industry where skills tests are standard.
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Wow, it's been far too long since I worked for a company that accepted applications directly. But I can tell you that at the last company that did, screening for English skills was one of the reasons we were given by management. And that was over 10 years ago.
Posted by Artemisia Tridentata (Member # 8746) on :
quote:Wouldn't it make more sense to test that sort of thing at a skills test at the interview, rather than inconveniencing everyone who applies for the job? Maybe I'm just biased because I work in an industry where skills tests are standard.
No, we are talking about a high volumn classification, and a critical skill was reading directions. It was a skills test given to all applicants as a pre-screening. I discontinued it however, when we started to have a measurable percentage of applications from off Depot sources like the Job Service offices. The guys in my office still question applications from male applicants that are filled out in a female hand. When we go paperless, we will be accepting applications from any WWW access point. So we don't have a perfect screening for basic computer familarization as the applications can still be filled out by someone else. What we really need are honest applicants.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
We have all applications filled out on a kiosk in the store, and a written test is administered on the spot as well. It is amazing the number of people who come in and can't pass a simple 30 question test on basic math and English.
We don't even have paper application these days, and haven't for years.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
Wow. Seems odd to me, though I suppose it would depend on the type of company/store it was - we didn't even have applications in the store for a while, but would ask people to write their name and number on a paper plate when they asked if we were hiring.
(Incidentally, we are - anyone know people over 16 that live in southern NH and need a job?)
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
My second son has Dysgraphia , and he ALWAYS asks for an application to take home so he can struggle through it on his own and get it filled out to take back. He just doesn't want them to see that it might take him 35 to 40 minutes or more to write out a simple app. He dreads looking for work just because of this process.
(these are not usually for jobs that are going to require hand-writing language skills)
However, he loves the places that have all their apps on computer/online. He can keyboard well, so that makes it much easier for him.
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