Would you ever ask this question??

[Remali]

OK....so I am applying for jobs and I've had a couple interviews. I realize a lot of others are also in the same boat and looking for jobs too, it's tough out there right now.

But, there have been a few jobs I interviewed for lately that I was very qualified for and had the education and experience (over 6 years experience), yet I didn't get the job. In the past I always had really good success at interviews and almost always got the job....so I am sort of wondering what's going on now. Have any of you, or anyone you have known, ever called to inquire as to why they passed you up for a job? I am tempted to phone one or two employers to ask as to why I wasn't chosen, if there was something I could have done better on in the interview.....etc., or if it was something else....the "something else" has me wondering, because I truly hope it is not because someone has said something about my past health issues, I had a very bad colitis flare-up that cost me a job a while back, so that is a concern I now have.

[WashingtonBay]

I've certainly been tempted to... but I never have.

The thing is, I bet corporate advice is they shouldn't answer the questions because almost any answer might be a liability.

Most of the time, I'd just assume they found someone just as good... perhaps even the job was filled from within. I've read that only something like 25% of job ads are real openings. The rest are openings where they already know who they want for the position but corporate or union rules indicate they have to advertise it.

[Remali]

Well that makes sense.....a lot of jobs do get filled from within I have found.

Oops and I didn't realize I had orginally posted this on the horse discussion! lol. I had a senior moment!! ;)

[Cat]

Yeah, a lot of them are filled form within now, and I am also aware of several positions that were open, but then cut due to the economy. In addition, it seems like a lot of experience is actually a hinderance now. They are looking for people with less experience so they can pay them less.

[offgridgirl]

Hummm, Yes I have asked why I didn't get a job that I applied for. It varies, some say the truth and some lie.... I figure karma is working for me, if I didn't get it!! I didn't need to work for those persons anyway.... Keep on applying and interviewing....something will fit for you!!!:)

[cheval]

If you are over-qualified for a position a lot of people will look at that in a negative way. As in people with way more experience than is required by the job is using that particular job as just a stepping stone, foot in the door, temporary thing until something better comes a long. We see it all the time with Bio positions.

[Kaitlyn]

I want to ask so bad, instead I just take it as a hard hit and go about applying some more. That it just wasn't supposed to work out.

[Miracle Whip]

Hey, be happy that you have been getting interviews! I have not even gotten them in a while.
For me, it has always been hard to be positive about my last position. I was actually surprised that I was hired at Target because I said - "I cannot work for a company that does not value productivity." This is because, at my last job, I was written up for saying in an email that things were not being done at another location.
The reality of it is, for a seasonal position I don't think they really cared, as long as I had unlimited availability.

My question is, why do we have to take so many DRUG TESTS? Seasonal, temp agency, hardware store, janitorial, it makes no difference. I took 3 tests in a month!!

[lisakaye]

I have been told by Human Resources in my current job that it is a federal law that the only information that can be given out to a prospective employer is dates of employment. Every job that I have had in the healthcare field has required a drug test and background check. I do't know about any of the other types of employment. I think that employers just don't want anyone working for them that tests positive. One good example is I went for my drug test 2 weeks after sugery on my elbow last summer. Mind you I was still in a cast. I told them I had taken a pain killer after the surgery.. can't remember what it was now but anyway I tested positive and was told that I had to supply a Dr's letter and the Rx to be considered for the position. Even with the legal proof of what I had taken they still would not hire me until I had a negative test.

[mare]

Beside dates of employment, the companies I've worked for (6) are allowed to say whether a person is eligible for re-hire, without providing details. No matter if it was health problems, poor work, or the owner couldn't stop "hitting on" the former employee.

Even the fast food, temp and ranch outfits here in Wyoming are requiring drug tests. Not only is it expensive for a business to train a person who is undependable, but the liability of having someone with impaired judgement is too great. If they get hurt, they may collect various benefits even if they are fired for flunking a post-injury UA. Or worse, they may cause someone else to get hurt then the business has not only workman's comp to pay, but a probable lawsuit to settle for having an impaired person on staff.

I pray the right opportunities come along for you, Remali, and Miracle Whip.

[Miracle Whip]

I was thinking Remali and I need to have a contest to either A) see who can send out the most resumes or B) set a date and see who gets employed first. My unemployment will run out in about March I am thinking...

[Remali]

LOL......it's nuts, I hope we both get hired soon Miracle Whip. Well, at least there are extensions for unemployment, altho I would rather be working. I checked online and those jobs I applied for still seem to be open yet, perhaps they're just taking especially long to make a decision.

I don't mind the drug tests.....I can see why they are needed.

[cheval]

I take daily pain pills. Here for drug tests that I've gotten for a few part time jobs all you have to do is list what you are on and as long as nothing comes up that you don't list you are fine.

When we call for job reference the law says you can't ask about performance, only that a person worked at a particular job during whatever time frame they listed. You used to be able to ask about how they did, their attendance etc.

We've got PhD's applying for lower level openings in Fisheries. Job market is tough in our field anyway. But often that is really frowned on for the purpose of what I mentioned previously.

I don't know that a person would get a straight answer if they asked what they did wrong in the interview or if the employer has to give it. We had one guy question my boss about not getting hired and my boss sat down and gave a really detailed explanation with him, but others in the office won't address it at all.

[offgridgirl]

I got lots to do here!! Wanna come???? Free room and food....Be aware You will lose weight!! I do alot of walking and heavy lifting!!:cowboy:

[Remali]

Sounds good offgridgirl....I have been wanting to move too, a change of scenery sure would be nice, lol!

[Mandzanita]

Remali, I must have missed what happened with your last job? Did that not work out? I remember you getting a position that you were so happy with :(

[saddlebum]

I would certainly give them a call and ask them. I interviewed for a job once and didn't get it so I called them and asked why, and if there was anything I could do to improve. They said they hired a guy that was local and could start sooner than I could. They said I was just fine the other guy was just closer.

I would encourage people to call and followup with anyone you've sent a resume. Many times resumes have been misplaced. Sometimes a company doesn't go back to old resumes when trying to fill the next position, they advertise for new applicants. By calling them and following up, your resume may end up back on top of the pile.

I was offered a job one time simpley because I called back. The company had just that day announced a pilot position and I happened to call. My resume floated to the top and the offer was made. I didn't take it but it makes my point that if you want the job give them a call.

As someone who receives resumes all the time I can tell you that the folks who call to follow up are more likely to get a closer look.


Call em

[Remali]

Thanks saddlebum......that makes just good sense to me! I plan to call them.

Mandzanita.....yes, that job I had a while back was great, it was a temp job thru a temp agency but they told me it would be for 6 months.....well, three weeks after I started I got super sick after I got a flu shot at work, I think I already had the stomach flu tho....I was throwing up by that evening, and had a fever and all the other not-so-fun stuff that goes along with it. Anyway, I was sick for three days, they told me to not come back...and now I see they have another ad placed for that same job and the job is only for FOUR weeks now. Something weird there I think. Oh well. So now it is back to looking for a job again.....preferably not a temp job!! lol.

[offgridgirl]

Sounds good offgridgirl....I have been wanting to move too, a change of scenery sure would be nice, lol!
and Bring your horses too!!:cowboy: Visit would be great!!! or Stay, there is lots of property for sale and I'd love to have new neighbors!!!

Seriously, I hope you find something that fits!! Keep on tryin' and call back for sure!!

[Miracle Whip]

The point I was trying to make on the drug tests was, I had a number of positions that I started about the same time. I had to take a drug test for every single one. Why can't one company forward on the drug test results to another - in the instance of temp agencies for example maybe...

I was going to work janitorial and take a CNA class. But I was offered temp to permanent at Aegon. One drug test for janitorial company, did not start, another drug test for Office team, worked 9 days, one drug test for a seasonal job at Target, ALL WITHIN a TWO week time frame more or less. With the economy in the toliet you'd think there would be a more efficient way to determine if someone was drug free. Post the results to your drivers license or something... I know most people only take one test and thats it, but its not always the case.

[mare]

Miracle Whip -- I think that is a sensible idea, if all cadidates were honest, non-drug users like yourself.

Drug tests are really of little use, aren't they? Very sad dopers have come to have such a huge and adverse impact on all of us.