I really don't like people who don't know their own jobs

[catknit 144]

I know we all encounter them day in and day out - but what kills me is when they are in a supervisory position.

[Maybe this is just God's way of preparing me for the fun that is the visa journey]

I'm looking for a new job. My old one is stale, we keep being "restructured", no one knows what's really happening, etc etc. Typical corporate life.

Lo and behold while browsing Craiglist I find a position a totally match, the right education, the right experience, the whole thing. It's thru an agency. No big deal, I've dealt with recruiters and agencies in the past - was placed in two good jobs that way.

I email my resume and a cover letter. We schedule a meet and greet to go over any other opportunities in their system.

Like the consumate professional, I show up roughly 5 minutes before my meeting, all pertinent paperwork fill out and signed. Things are looking good.

I meet with the manager, she's the one handling the position for which I'm an "excellent fit", her words not mine.

She's not too impressed with my attire, though I am wearing dress slacks and a blouse and heels, the lack of a blazer just rings unprofessional. Okay, fine, if this client of their's lives by those rules, I'll do the full fledge black corporate suit. No problem.

Next - how can I not provide the phone numbers of two of my previous bosses, not coworkers or HR departments but actual direct supervisors. I try to explain, both companies were sold. Both office were shut down after those sales. One I worked for 8 years ago, the second I worked for 5 years ago. I explain the very best I could do would be a complete shot in the dark - google my bosses names and hope for the best. That didn't go over well. What about jobs prior to these two - sure, one from 1997 and one from 1999. But those immediate supervisors are no longer with those companies. I offered to give her the corporate numbers and maybe the HR departments would have records of my employment. Her response, "Well maybe that will work, we'll see." I did provide her with the requested 8, yes that's right 8, coworker and personal references - included in this list are 3 current coworkers, 3 past coworkers [including the former HR manager for my current job], and 2 friends. I explained that - she was happy to have those but they don't count with respect to direct supervisor thing...

I get needing to do due diligence. I understand not wanting to misrepresent to your client. I really do. However, aside from a criminal background check, drug screen, and credit score - they are requesting a total of 10 references. Doesn't that seem a bit much?

Oh, but there is more!!!! Because this may be temp to perm I filled out an I9. I'm currently changing my name [long story], so my SSN card and passport are in with their respective offices being updated. I did have my state issued driver's license and my voter registration card - both on List B. She literally throws back the voter registration card and says it's worthless, it can't be used for I9. And I'm looking at her thinking, ummm, no it's on the list and technically it proves Im a US Citizen, otherwise I wouldn't have it!!! I figured in lieu of having a copy of my new SSN [which should be coming any day now] she'd at least have two things, not just the driver license [i know I needed something from list C also, but literally all (birth certificate included) my paperwork except the license and voter registration are still in various offices]. Oh, and she was the manager, I'd figure she'd know that a voter registration card would be on the list. I was okay with all the other stuff until this. You'd think she'd know this!!!!

I don't know, maybe I'm just being silly but it was really a downer. I was hoping that it would have went ok. I know the companies where they are placing people are their clinets, but so am I. The funny part is the type of position they are looking to fill has a very small pool of candidates based on education required and experience. I don't know, never have I been so vetted - and for a position that's going to be temp to start anyway!

Sorry - I justed needed to tell someone!

[Heracles 417]

That is a tough one. I don't know why companies are so ####### here.

Does she not realize that if you were hired you would be working with her after she behaved this way. Actually this reminds me of a a rule of mine. If I don't like the manager I don't accept the position. Anyone with a bad manager knows no amount of money is worth it.

Edited April 9, 2008 by Boo-Yah!

[Nizzy 1]

I interviewed with a temp agency and they were also very ####### about references. They never hired me after I filled out the blippin I9 and other paperwork. After that interview I was hired as a counselor and now a banker so I don't have a clue to what their problem was. I would have gotten snippy with the woman and walked out.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

10 references is excessive. I didn't need that many when I got my secret clearance from the Dept. of Energy.

[sparkofcreation 0]

10 references is excessive. I didn't need that many when I got my secret clearance from the Dept. of Energy.

One of my best friends works for the CIA, and *she* only had to give 6-8.

[William33 110]

10 references? Move on, as this job is BS. No legitimate company requires 10 references.

As previously stated, US Gov clearance required jobs require 5 or less, as they develop further references from those...

[PlatyPius 5]

Aye. When I worked for the state, I only had to have 4 references for my position (which had access to all driver's license info for everyone in Indiana)

I tend to really hate recruiters/head-hunters/agencies. Many that I've dealt with are ####### like that. Usually I'm applying for a job at their best client company and they don't want to lose the account, so they're overly-#######.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

10 references is excessive. I didn't need that many when I got my secret clearance from the Dept. of Energy.

One of my best friends works for the CIA, and *she* only had to give 6-8.

exactly

When I lived in Colorado I saw a help wanted sign at a convenience store saying that they drug tested and were a drug free workplace. #######? I guess they don't think a stoner could sell a slurpee.

[William33 110]

10 references is excessive. I didn't need that many when I got my secret clearance from the Dept. of Energy.

One of my best friends works for the CIA, and *she* only had to give 6-8.

exactly

When I lived in Colorado I saw a help wanted sign at a convenience store saying that they drug tested and were a drug free workplace. #######? I guess they don't think a stoner could sell a slurpee.

Well sure they could, if the management is willing to let the stoner employee eat one for each one sold...

[Dr. Obvious 49]

They ask for those references as sales leads. They actually call your old boss to feel out if they would need any new temp workers. I have never had one ask for ten. At most, I would give four because I know exactly why they want them.

A recruiter in a staffing agency is a sales person, not an HR manager. Occasionally they can find decent things for you, just don´t hold your breath.

Edited April 9, 2008 by Wacken

[catknit 144]

It seemed a little excessive to me - but I haven't been actively looking for a job in the last 4 years so I figured maybe times have changed and all that.

If this woman was looking for leads, she'll be mad - those who aren't current coworkers are stay at home moms now or retired.

I'm not holding my breath - I left there with a not-so-good feeling anyway. It sounded like they were trying to place at one of their better clients and it was obvious I wouldn't fit in.

I'm just going to chock it up as a practice interview and a refresher on how to get around that town, I hadn't been there in years.

Looking for a job stinks.

[Heracles 417]

And really what do references prove anyway. I know most companies I worked for now give very vague answers due to the threat of being sued. They basically state how long someone worked there and what they did.

[russ 1]

10 references is excessive. I didn't need that many when I got my secret clearance from the Dept. of Energy.

They don't care about the references (at least for that purpose).

They want the manager's direct numbers so that their sales people can call them and try to place more people.

The outfits that work this way are very sneaky - the job you are "interviewing" for may not even exist at all, it

may just be there to pump you for sales leads.

To get around this bad behavior, it is best to say that you will provide references when there is an offer on the table. They can make the offer contingent upon your references checking out if they choose. Legitimate recruiters and HR people will be fine with this. If they push back, tell them you have had problems with references you have provided in the past being hassled by sales people, and out of respect for their time, won't give their numbers without an offer in writing.

[almaty 19]

i agree..when i worked for the parole board ..i needed only 4

[Mononoke28 137]

Milo,

There are plenty of places you can go to find employment and I would run the other way from this one if I were you. I've done plenty of contracting on and off here in Denver and what I've learned is that these people need you MORE than you need them. They need to work FOR you, not against you and this is what they did here. Ten references? And giving you a hard time for people who can't get in touch for valid reasons? Ridiculous. I would take my business somewhere else.

Good luck!

Diana