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Sorry for the typo (both times), I wanted to spell it as it was already to avoid confusion.... (sadly the first time I was so aggravated with this I didn't even see it until the 2nd page was created....LOLOL
Yes, my point exactly, I don't know who sits around without having a job PURPOSELY! unless they're millionaires and retired! and even then...ppl still find things to do. I know of ppl looking for jobs for the last 18 months, applying right and left and nothing, and these are highly qualified ppl with MBAs etc.
I think "employers" took advantage of the momentum created by the recession to have an excuse to extort people into doing 2 or more jobs on one salary, I know my hubby is one of the people having to do 3 jobs on one salary for the last 4 years. It is shameful at best especially when qualified candidates are turned down under the "overqualified" excuse only to avoid paying them the wages they deserve.
But as I was saying before, a gap in employment can mean:
Maternity leave (job was gone while in it, happened to me)
Traveled or worked abroad
Sick
Cared for the elderly
Owned a business
Volunteered at a school
I mean, there are a ton of reasons why someone might have a gap in employment and I for one don't feel like being dumped in the same category with the prison ppl. and not because "I am better than anyone else", but because that is simply not the case and I don't want an employer to discount my application on that assumption. Don't give me the job because I don't have 10 years in customer service, not because of a false assumption.
Is there a way to edit your on-line application so you can change your answer to the prison question from "yes" to "no", because apparently you answered "yes" to the question "were you in prison". Otherwise you wouldn't have been dumped in the same category with the prison people!
I've never been arrested or in prison; however, I can understand why someone would be uncomfortable with that question being on an application in relation to gaps of employment.
I can understand it, too. It would be a red flag to me, as an applicant. I'd be thinking, "Why? Do you have a lot of ex-cons under your employ?"
Somewhat serious and somewhat playing devil's advocate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovetheduns
You make a good point about the whole arrest thing-- because that does not imply conviction and in this country at least you are innocent until proven guilty. However, I would say that if you are in prison-- generally speaking you have been convicted of a crime-- whether or not you are able to appeal it and be found not guilty later.
That's not true. Not everyone gets bail and some people can't afford bail if they get it. And some applicants might interpret "prison" as "jail"---meaning they might stupidly answer the question "yes" for an arrest where the charges were dropped shortly afterwards.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovetheduns
There is no way an employer is going to have drop down boxes for every scenario under the sun--- what they are trying to do is figure out if you have had a conviction and spent those past years in prison.
I realize that, but it's strange they assume prison for a gap of employment. I'm sure it's the least likely scenario for most employment situations.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovetheduns
It is a simple question-- yes or no. Either you have or you haven't.
It's not a simple question. It's illegal to ask. Employers only have a right to ask if you have been convicted. Asking if they have been in prison isn't asking if they've been convicted. There IS a difference between the two questions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovetheduns
it is not an assumption that you are an ex-con if they ask it-- and who knows even how long one has had to have had a gap in their work history to be asked that question-- they may ask it to every employee.
The OP said that the question wasn't asked of everyone. It was only asked of people who had gaps in their work history and/or only had a few jobs in the work history. But that's really irrelevant. My main point is that the question is worded illegally.
I'm actually surprised. This is last thing I would have ever imagined a prospective employer to think of an employment gap. Then again, I'm sure employers with this type of application have positions that attract people from the lowest rungs of society.
well, yeah, an employment application that doesn't need a resume is clearly unskilled labor... where else do the prison people go when they get out?
Exactly. But even jobs that require resumes have 'applications' that need to be filled out after being hired. It's part of the HR paperwork---a formality.
Isn't there is a question on all applications that state "Have you ever been convicted of a felony?" I have not seen a question "Have you been in prison?" I personally do not like the questions pertaining to my ethnic group. I remember at one time it was voluntary now it seems like a requirement. I am not fond of the welfare question either. I have been a SAHM and student so I would be offended if it was assumed I was a criminal due to my gaps in work history.
I had a 5 year gap in work history because no one would hire me during my probation. So on job applications I say I worked for my brother's computer company during this time. He did have a company but I hardly got work or money from my brother.
"OTHER" and the Option of inserting a "TEXT FIELD" versus "Radio Buttons" in websites, also taking UNDER 30 seconds!!!!!
If companies choose this miserable "new" way to screen/hire new ppl, then they should no longer list: "Equal Opportunity Employer"!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovetheduns
There is no way an employer is going to have drop down boxes for every scenario under the sun--- what they are trying to do is figure out if you have had a conviction and spent those past years in prison.
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