I have a phrase for the standard \u201cyou didn\u2019t get the job\u201d rejection email. It\u2019s called the \u201cDear John\u201d. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
It usually consists of lovely flowery phrases such as \u201cThank you for your interest but…\u201d or \u201cWe are unable to progress your application\u2026\u201d or \u201cThe position has been filled\u201d.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve experienced great frustration over the last 12 months and longer in trying to find even 2 or 3 hours work a week, doing pretty much anything. Heck, I\u2019d even apply to open a cardboard box.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve had absolutely no success and as a result I\u2019m rightly pissed off.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m not a Business Student, nor am I an expert in Human Resources, but it seems to me that the method of recruitment used by the majority of firms big or small is probably the most impersonal and ineffective.<\/p>\n
It prompts you to do everything but provide your true and natural reaction. Ever done any of those online applications where it asks you \u201cWhat would you do in this situation?\u201d It\u2019s quite obvious what they want you to answer, so why would you answer anything else? \u201cA Customer asks you where an item is kept. Do you A- Show them B- Tell them to feck off\u201d. Need I say any more?<\/p>\n
In a similar vein, it encourages an annoying culture of lying, hyperbole and false information. So, did the paper round for 2 weeks? Nobody would notice if you said you did it for 2 years. Similarly, describing duties of previous employment is often comedic. \u201cDealt with customers in a friendly and professional manner\u201d when you really hated and cursed them all.<\/p>\n
\u201cFully Experienced\u201d is as ambiguous as heck. Because there will be different definitions of \u201cexperienced\u201d, so how can a time value possibly be attached to it? I\u2019ve gained a huge amount of experience in editing a newspaper in 2 years; someone else might take 5 years to gain the same amount. So, looking for \u201cfully experienced\u201d bar staff? Might as well say \u201cVeteran\u201d, then!<\/p>\n
The interview is just like the Leaving Cert. It judges your performance on one particular meeting. And we all know how much the Leaving Cert has been castigated for that very reason. They also seem to add in unusual variables to put you off. I\u2019ve been interviewed in a canteen with the rest of the staff having their lunch. I once witnessed a woman being interviewed in a busy caf\u00e9 in an English train station. And a friend of mine was once interviewed whilst standing at the counter in a shop.<\/p>\n
Now, tell me if I\u2019m being na\u00efve, but surely that is entirely unnecessary? Is one\u2019s ability to work hard reflected in their ability to cope with a bizarre interview?<\/p>\n
Another bone I have to pick with retail in particular, is their \u201cNo, No jobs going here!\u201d mantra, yet every week new staff seem to start work there. This is probably the biggest gripe I hold in this seemingly infinite quest.<\/p>\n
So, if you have vacancies in your delightful company, I\u2019d really love one of them!<\/p>\n