casseopeia
Structural
I knew my last job was not a good place for me, even before they terminated my employment at the end of the year. I started talking to a recruiter who specializes in my field months before I was let go. I feel like I am being put through the ringer. So far I have,
1. Been interviewed over the phone for character and technical knowledge on three separate occasions. I passed those interviews.
2. Taken an on-line test for MS Word
3. Taken an on-line test for Excel proficiency
4. Taken an on-line test probing my personal interests, attitudes and values
5. Taken in on-line test for behavioral style.
I assume I did well on the on-line tests. I have been passed on to the interview-in-person stage. But first I have to fill out and return,
1. An Application for Employment which asks my employment record back to the very beginning
2. I must sign a document that describes my rights in the State of California, and
3. I must also sign a Disclosure and Authorization form, including my social security number and birthdate allowing this potential employer to complete a criminal background check, a credit check and run a DMV record.
This is a private company. It is not a bank or other financial institution. It is not part of the judicial branch of the United States. I am not applying for a job as a swat team sharp shooter. I can't image that I am applying for a job where I must routinely handle in excess of $10,000 in cash. I mention all of these things because there are laws in California about what a potential employer can get from you PRIOR to being hired. As of January 1, employers are very restricted on when they can run a credit check. You pretty much have to be a bank or a law enforcement agency or similar.
The Application covers the "have you ever been convicted of a felony, plead guilty or arrested and currently out on bail pending trial" question. I don't have a problem with that. But I do have a problem offering up my social security number and birthdate so that they can run a DMV and credit check. It's the credit check that I have the most trouble with. Mine is not great, some of it my fault, some of it not. I just don't think it's their business.
As an alternative, I have offered to bring my own copy of my 10-year DMV record which should now be completely clean with zero points. I have considered offering to do a drug test and have them fingerprint me instead of the credit and criminal checks. I have no criminal record. I've never been arrested and my drug test should come up clean, but a friend said not to offer to do those and just go ahead and give them my SSN and birthdate.
I am really, really not comfortable with that. I am somewhat indignant because I have been put through a battery of tests for a job and have not been told for what position I am being considered. The Word and Excel proficiency tests were something that I would give to someone being considered for the Steno Pool. The tests asked none of the basics and was mostly keyboard short cuts. The credit and criminal background would be appropriate if I were being considered for company accountant or corporate signatory. Neither one of those positions would have required the hour long technical interview asking me to describe the exact steps required for installing a 4-ply built up roof as well as describing what a 'grout curtain' does.
In addition to the endless forms and tests, they have requested that I also bring in copies of recent reports, drawings, details and proposals I have completed for my employer WTF! Are they kidding?
Am I over reacting to this?
"Gorgeous hair is the best revenge." Ivana Trump
1. Been interviewed over the phone for character and technical knowledge on three separate occasions. I passed those interviews.
2. Taken an on-line test for MS Word
3. Taken an on-line test for Excel proficiency
4. Taken an on-line test probing my personal interests, attitudes and values
5. Taken in on-line test for behavioral style.
I assume I did well on the on-line tests. I have been passed on to the interview-in-person stage. But first I have to fill out and return,
1. An Application for Employment which asks my employment record back to the very beginning
2. I must sign a document that describes my rights in the State of California, and
3. I must also sign a Disclosure and Authorization form, including my social security number and birthdate allowing this potential employer to complete a criminal background check, a credit check and run a DMV record.
This is a private company. It is not a bank or other financial institution. It is not part of the judicial branch of the United States. I am not applying for a job as a swat team sharp shooter. I can't image that I am applying for a job where I must routinely handle in excess of $10,000 in cash. I mention all of these things because there are laws in California about what a potential employer can get from you PRIOR to being hired. As of January 1, employers are very restricted on when they can run a credit check. You pretty much have to be a bank or a law enforcement agency or similar.
The Application covers the "have you ever been convicted of a felony, plead guilty or arrested and currently out on bail pending trial" question. I don't have a problem with that. But I do have a problem offering up my social security number and birthdate so that they can run a DMV and credit check. It's the credit check that I have the most trouble with. Mine is not great, some of it my fault, some of it not. I just don't think it's their business.
As an alternative, I have offered to bring my own copy of my 10-year DMV record which should now be completely clean with zero points. I have considered offering to do a drug test and have them fingerprint me instead of the credit and criminal checks. I have no criminal record. I've never been arrested and my drug test should come up clean, but a friend said not to offer to do those and just go ahead and give them my SSN and birthdate.
I am really, really not comfortable with that. I am somewhat indignant because I have been put through a battery of tests for a job and have not been told for what position I am being considered. The Word and Excel proficiency tests were something that I would give to someone being considered for the Steno Pool. The tests asked none of the basics and was mostly keyboard short cuts. The credit and criminal background would be appropriate if I were being considered for company accountant or corporate signatory. Neither one of those positions would have required the hour long technical interview asking me to describe the exact steps required for installing a 4-ply built up roof as well as describing what a 'grout curtain' does.
In addition to the endless forms and tests, they have requested that I also bring in copies of recent reports, drawings, details and proposals I have completed for my employer WTF! Are they kidding?
Am I over reacting to this?
"Gorgeous hair is the best revenge." Ivana Trump