Does anyone here work at Blue Shield? (Sutter: felon, job openings)

[KC6ZLV]

Or know of anyone working there.

I've been trying to apply to IT jobs there but the recruiting agencies that hire for them state they can't submit an application to them because I'm unemployed. I spent several weeks trying to track down someone at Blue Shield to talk to directly and ran into a roadblock with someone there basically equating me to being a felon because I'm unemployed. He states they can't hire unemployed people due to the ban the box law, which prohibits employers from asking if a candidate has ever been convicted until they've been given a job offer, and it is just easier for them to filter out all unemployed applicants so they don't have to bother with it.

I would like to talk to someone to see if there is any way I can get consideration for positions that open up there.

[Elliott_CA]

You're being discriminated against due to employment status. Some states have laws against that, but California is not one of them. Sounds like that needs to change. Write your state senator or assemblyperson. It won't help you find work but maybe you'll have the satisfaction of helping make a meaningful change. Good luck in your job search.

[nightlysparrow]

Why would you even want to work at such a discriminatory place? Look elsewhere.

[KC6ZLV]

Originally Posted by nightlysparrow

Why would you even want to work at such a discriminatory place? Look elsewhere.

Because I need to work and I'm running into a problem getting hired due to being unemployed.

[Rob98LS1]

How come you're unemployed, what is the situation there? Is Blue Shield close to you which is why you're really trying to get on with them? Have you tried any public agencies? There is a lot of hiring going on in government right now. I hope you are able to find something soon.

[KC6ZLV]

I was laid off from my last job, and apparently, employers aren't willing to acknowledge that most people who are unemployed didn't do anything wrong and prefer to jump to conclusions, such as insisting unemployed people must have done something to be unemployed.

I'm fully aware of government jobs. Keep in mind that the total number of government job openings doesn't really mean anything. Educational and experience requirements, plus location, reduce the number of jobs any one candidate qualifies for to a very small amount.

[ecsdude]

Consider a state job. You do have to take an exam (usually online) and it puts you on an eligibility list. From there, you can start applying for positions. It can take some time to get responses.. Some may be a letter saying they have filled the position.. others may be a phone call requesting an interview with you.. if you are successful at interviews, it may still be a while until you hear back... if/when you do, if you're offered a position, it takes a while longer to be brought on board.

There are some tips to how to go through the whole process and increase your chances of success.. if you want, send me a private message and I could share whatever I can to help. I'd say if one is persistent and is diligently applying for jobs, then does the necessary prep for interviews, you're more likely than not to land a state job. Having professional references does help.. and they do check them.

Aside from that.... consider other health care organizations like Kaiser or Sutter? I know someone working at the data center for the latter. Sometimes you need to start out as a contractor and then get offered a job with the employer directly.

[KC6ZLV]

Actually, I'm in the process of applying for an environmental scientist position with the state.