I really miss the old days. I miss the days when applying for a job meant that you physically went into a business and either filled out an application or presented your resume. Or, that you MAILED a resume with a cover letter. I also miss the days when an employer would determine if you were right for the job by TALKING TO YOU AND OR INTERVIEWING YOU.
Now it seems that the Internet has taken over. Most businesses don't even have applications anymore. They REQUIRE you to fill out an application online. Normally, I wouldn't find this to be a problem as it would seem that this would be an enormous convenience. But, it's not. It's the worst kind of hinderance and I am so ready to pull my hair out from the frustration.
The biggest hinderance is the now very common "psychological" tests/assessments that you are required to complete. I don't buy how these supposed test can accurately determine what kind of employee you will be. They are most often multiple choice answers and the questions are so vague and very often ridiculous.
For example: Some of the questions on a 16 page assessment test I had to take for a HOUSEKEEPING position mind you were:
Are you the type of person that gets angry when criminals are set free? (and the choices were strongly agree, agree, disagree, etc.)
WTF????
That question could not possibly be relevant to whether or not I can make a bed or scrub a toilet! Not too mention, the question is far too vague to ascertain what type of person I am. Depends on the criminal doesn't it? And, if I do get angry, how does my opinion about it AFFECT MY JOB?
another one was: Agree or Disagree - I have NEVER been in trouble at SCHOOL or work.
What kind of TROUBLE? and who has NEVER been in trouble, especially in school? If I answer yes than I am labled a troublemaker and disregarded. If I answer no I am a big fat liar and disregarded.
I completed another "assessment" test very similar to this one for a Customer Service position. It was a job doing basic phone work. Entry Level work. I am qualified to be an Executive Administrative Assistant. Entry Level is a HUGE step down for me. If anything, I am overqualified. But, unfortunately I have been forced to accept anything at this point. This is a job I could do in my sleep. But...I get an email telling me that I didn't meet their qualifications!!! What???
I think the reason this bothers me so much is because I am an excellent employee. I always take my job very seriously. Any company would be pleased with my performance, without a doubt. I have NEVER had trouble finding work before because I always had the opportunity to interview with someone. Employers SEE what kind of person I am during an interview and I am almost ALWAYS offered the position. Now, I can't even get an interview because I'm being screened out with these ridiculous questions.
One of my biggest problems right now is that I was fired from my last job. Most employers, especially in these assessment tests, will ask if you have ever been fired. I can't lie. Not only is it unethical, but I wouldn't be hired once it was discovered that I WAS fired.
In the old days this wouldn't BE a problem because like I said, I would have an opportunity to speak to the employer and explain the situation. And the situation was that I was fired unjustifiably. I was working for a close relative - without going into the whole scenario I'm sure most of you can see where that one is going.
I've been out of work since August and I can't tell you how frustrating this whole process has been. It bothers me to no end mostly because I KNOW that I am a hard worker. I really like to work, honestly. I've been going crazy being at home all the time.
I'm just really starting to wonder how many employers have passed up on great employee prospects because of this whole internet and assessment nonsense. If they want to assess what kind of worker I am or what my skills/knowledge is, than AT LEAST make it relevant to the job. Test me on my typing. Test me on my phone skills. Test me on Word/Excel, etc. Test me on possible customer situations and how I would handle it.
My opinions on politics and asking me questions that cannot possibly be answered with "agree" or "disagree" do not belong on an application. Employers are only losing opportunities to meet great people.
Okay, I'm done ranting. Back to the internet for more assessments. :(
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Comments: 14
My present position is on call and never know when I'll be working but it's a step up from being a temporary employee. But, now there is a hiring "thaw"! UGH!
I'm trying to find a balance as I was out on medical disability last year because I had breast cancer so how do I explain that one to future "outside" employers at least my manager is understanding. She tries to give me hours when her budget allows her but her hands are tied too due to the economic status of the company.
I just found out that I am eligible for state unemployment but the state of CA is broke so hopefully the check will be coming soon.
We have to believe that the right situation will come along QUICKLY and our future employers will recognize our ethics and willingness to work.
You say the psychological evaluation has zero impact on a housekeeper position. But think about this, as a housekeeper, you routinely have access to the personal belongings of other people. Suppose your favorite rock star is staying at the hotel you are working at. Are you going to be able to do your job without stealing his underwear? Sound like a crazy thought? Stuff like that happens all the time.
Think you are automatically flagged as a troublemaker by saying YES to the question, "have you ever been in trouble at work or school?" Then you don't know what employers are looking for. I can tell you from having been involved in hiring that people who put NO to questions like that are obviously lying...and we know it. EVERYONE has had trouble at work or school at some point. The question isn't meant to flag you as a troublemaker. It's meant to see if you are someone who hides wrongdoing or takes responsibility for it.
While I would on the surface say that political opinions have no place on an assessment, it depends on the company. If you are applying for a job at Planned Parenthood, you better damn well be sure that they will be concerned about your political leanings. Or if your working for a telemarketing company that has clients that are PACs, then your political leanings can directly impact business.
Companies are under huge pressure when hiring. Hiring is an expensive process, and it is riddled with dangers. Companies can be sued for discrimination if they don't hire enough minorities (or too many minorities). There is the risk of IP theft. And then there is the issue of making sure new employees fit into the business culture of the company. Those assessments and tests may not make sense to you, but believe me they provide a huge amount of information to a potential employer.
Example: In the scenario where the answers are Strongly Agree, Agree, slightly agree, slightly disagree, disagree, or strongly disagree. The reviewer isn't looking for a right or wrong answer. He's looking for extremes in judgement. Most people will have a variety of answers ranging from one side of the spectrum to the other. But suppose you have someone who ONLY selects strongly disagree and strongly agree for everything. This indicates a person who takes extreme positions and is often not willing to budge. That can be an indication of a person that won't work well in a group environment.
I see what you are saying. My point is you are worried over the wrong things. Being fired from a job is not an automatic rejection. Being fired from seven jobs over three years...THAT would be a red flag. My point is don't fixate on one part of your work history. A potential employer is going to look at your entire work history. If you have an otherwise strong work history but were fired from your last job, that won't keep you from getting an interview.
More and more research indicates the interview should have the least amount of weight in the hiring process. Why? Because people are always on their best behavior during the interview. The interview is actually the final step in hiring just to dot the i's and cross the t's. You don't "ace" interviews. You just reinforce what the employer has already determined.