I know what you're probably thinking, and no, he isn't in the job market. However, he is currently taking a Career Decisions course, which requires them to fill out a job application.
He really wasn't excited about filing out several pages of information about himself of course. However, after seeing this section of the application below.........
he said, "What in the heck does this have to do with anything?!?! It's none of their business." I tried to explain to him that many companies including federal agencies, collect this sort of information to make sure that they are being fair by recruiting and attracting candidates from different backgrounds. Sinking.... Plus, if a person files a complaint against that company for discrimination, that company will have proof that other candidates from various backgrounds have applied for the job as well. Sinking further....
His response, "So let me get this straight, people discriminate on purpose, but make up forms like this to prove that they really don't? This makes me feel weird, when will they make better applications?"
Which makes me wonder, how do you feel when you have to fill out one of these applications? What is the difference between including your picture on your resume and/or using social media, versus filling out one of these forms?
Let's be honest, we know who looks at these forms. They may come with a proliferated line, but who tears them off?
He noticed that there were a missing check boxes by saying, "I see the boxes for the other countries, but where is America? I'm confused, why aren't there more countries here? And not to seem as if I am blind to the racial issues around us. I actually teach my kids not to address people by the color of their skin. So his reaction was right on.
Continuing onto the disability section, he really couldn't believe that people could be turned down or called-in for an interview based upon of their physical and mental disabilities. He said, "So if I were blind, they would call me in for an interview just to prove that they are being fair?" I again, tried to explain that sometimes when a person is hired for a job, the employer has to accommodate in the best way possible, so the employee can perform his/her job.
What do we have to do as professionals to change the application process? Is there an alternative?
