Posted on 06/21/2006 by the cynic
Viewed: 546 times
I'm going through a lot of interviews where they have you fill out an application and list all of your previous employers for the last 10 years, including summer jobs and volunteer work.
At my age, that means putting down things like McDonalds that I did over the summer in late high school, plus my college work-study job and job at the video store. And they are asking for previous salaries, supervisors' names (most are long gone), and phone numbers. I can see this if your'e an older worker and have been at the same job or 2 for 10 years, but for a younger worker, it almost makes you look worse, and is just a pain.
Anyone else experienced this? What is it for? is it for background check purposes, and if so, can't they just stick with the "past 7 years addresses" thing? (One company makes you do both).
POST A COMMENTthe cynic(06/22/2006)
Yeah, this last one was a doozy. They said, "Writing 'See Resume' or 'Available on Request' is completely unacceptable. If you need more space, write on the back. 110% of this will be checked." I hope I don't get an an anal interviewer who's like, "Whydja change jaaaaabs so often?" Uhh, maybe because I was in high school/college? :-) They also want phone numbers for the entire history. Who is going to remember me from 1997? I'm afraid they'll deny knowing me, and then I won't pass the screening. Do I have to call and follow up on every single one in that case ("Hi, I've been out of touch 10 years, but remember me? Yes, y name was this back then...") I hope not.
the cynic(06/22/2006)
Also, what about when they want a phone number but that manager is long gone? Is it okay to put "No" where it says "May we contact?" I always thought that meant you have something to hide.
vanilla ginger(06/22/2006)
Phone numbers that far back? Wouldn't half of them be disconnected by now?
the cynic(06/22/2006)
Well no, since the businesses are still in existence. I'm just thinking that most of the managers have probably left.
M. in Wisconsin(06/22/2006)
I have left jobs to (1) get married (2) move when my husband was transferred and (3) get downsized — all legitmate reasons. In a city, no one would care. In a small town, employers are weirded out by this.
the cynic(06/22/2006)
Wisconsin--True, but don't think they aren't weirded out in big cities either. I've been accused, in NYC, of "job hopping" because I had a college internship followed by a temp job, for not having a permanent job by a proscribed age, and for taking a job at Blockbuster for 3 months over a summer.
BoneyardDiva (06/21/2006)
I've seen 7 years most of the time. There were a couple asking for 10 yrs, but seriously, you put what you can on there...
twiz (06/22/2006)
I can never remember all the locations and contact information they ask for. I just put "available upon request" so they know I will look it up if needed. Some companies are really big on background checks. They want to make sure your history is clean.
(6)
Editorial Assistant(7)
Can't take it anymore(4)
Company memo that Belfort Instruments needs to write but never will(7)
now I know why people shoot up their workplaces.(4)
March 10, 2006(11)
Huh?(1) Blog Comments:
The SAW Effect(4)
Another Advertiser Who Does Not Want Us to Think(11)
An Uncomfortable Truth?(15)
Mr. Bad Habits(4)
The Fear Factor(4)
The Internet? I Can Stop Anytime I Want!(3)
What You're Talkin' About: The Most Recent Comments
Story Comments:
I need some advice.
Marketplace
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Credit Card
APR: 18.24% Annual Fee: $85**
Double miles at participating retailers (including Delta Air Lines); bonus miles; no annual fee for the first year.
Platinum Business Credit Card
APR: 11.24% Annual Fee: $0
Access to Membership Rewards Options program; special discounts at participating merchants; many benefits and additional perks; no annual fee.
US Airways® Visa Signature® Credit Card
APR: 0% Annual Fee: $90
Bonus miles; double miles through US Airways; low introductory rate; annual $99 companion tickets.
comments (8)
post to digg | 
post to del.icio.us | 
e-mail it
POST A COMMENT
