Do I have a poor attitude about this?

Question

I have been going through the recruiting and screening process for a part time entry level position with a large company. I am trying to remain positive but the process has left me a little leery. I have been through a pre-screening test, two interviews as well as a battery of tests- everything from keyboarding skills to personality tests. Plus provided information and release forms for background checks, references etc. I believe I have approached this process with a good attitude and I have been sincere and honest. I understand that they want to make good hiring decisions but I am starting to feel like I am not sure that I even want to work for this company. They seem to have this attitude of mistrust and emphasis on how strict their employment policies are. I should add that I do have experience, a good work history and references. I am wondering if I should be happy that I am a candidate for such a company or if I should be worried what they might treat me like if I am hired.

Oh my gosh! So many good answers! How will I ever choose? Putting it to vote for the winner.

Answer 1

Well, if they hire you take a chance.... You might like it at the end plus you have gone through a lot... IF you decide you dont want to stay there that's your say..
good luck

Answer 2

I think that if they offer you the job after all the effort I would at least try it. However, I would keep looking as you should always keep your options open. If you get the job and don't like it you will still be available if another offer comes in. The company you describe does sound a little paranoid, I would ask them questions also.
You should know the benefits e.g pay scale, 401k, profit sharing and medical and dental coverage. Make sure this is a job that offers you the incentive to want to stay. It may be worth the effort if they're offering quite an incentive package. If this is only part time is there room for growth and what exactly do you want to make you happy such as do they have personal days, or are they willing to be flexible?
You should make this decision based on what you want to make yourself happy, remember if you quit they want 2 weeks notice and if they let you go well there will be no notice.
If you can meet some of the people that you would be working with this also might be helpful.
Know a days with the bogus lawsuits company's are often put through and the costs of training an employee they may be doing this to wean out any flakes. I think it is frustrating to look for a job so just have patients with yourself and mull over what you want!
Sometimes we get so caught up in being hired and picked we don't take into account if this is where we want to be and look at are long term goals. Good Luck to you and I hope you get the job and love it!

Answer 3

That's a tough call. Employers absolutely have the upper hand these days. I had a recruiter (awful lot) ask me if I would object to providing a W2 upon request as proof of my current salary. In my opinion, the employer knows the salary window they're willing to pay to fill a position, and your current salary should have nothng to do with it if they want you for the position.

You are not crazy, by any stetch of the imagination. If you're deperate for a new job, listen to what they have to say. Otherwise, I'd say hold your own and hold out for an opportunity that really sounds "right" for you. That's a pretty big deal if you're receiving negative vibes from a company before they even hire you, and it sounds like you've already accommodated them a great deal.

Why is it that prospective employees have to take all the risk? After all, if a company or position isn't all it was advertized to be, it becomes the employee's problem, but a company wants iron-clad proof that the prospective employee can walk on water before they make an offer.

Answer 4

This is becoming the standard for many companies now. They are trying to find the best fit for their company and for the department you will be in. Most positions that are entry level have dozens of applicants - and many look good. They have to have a way to narrow down the candidates to the top few...and finally the one. Don't be upset, it can be a long process, but keep in mind they obviously care about the sucess of their company and the people they hire. A company that will take the first person who applies is the company I wouldn't want to work for! Also - be sure that you ask a lot of questions in your interviews. Get to know their 'mission, vision, and values' and make sure they are a fit for you too! Good Luck!

Answer 5

When people go to work, they shouldn't have to leave their hearts at home. ~Betty Bender

If you have a job without any aggravations, you don't have a job. ~Malcolm S. Forbes

The employers were also asked to list the "most unusual" questions that have been asked by job candidates.


"What is it that you people do at this company?"
"What is the company motto?"
"Why aren't you in a more interesting business?"
"What are the zodiac signs of all the board members?"
"Why do you want references?"
"Do I have to dress for the next interview?"
"I know this is off the subject, but will you marry me?"
"Will the company move my rock collection from California to Maryland?"
"Will the company pay to relocate my horse?"
"Does your health insurance cover pets?"
"Would it be a problem if I'm angry most of the time?"
"Does your company have a policy regarding concealed weapons?"
"Do you think the company would be willing to lower my pay?"
"Why am I here?"
Also included are a number of unusual statement made by candidates during the interview process.


I have no difficulty in starting or holding my bowel movement.
At times I have the strong urge to do something harmful or shocking.
I feel uneasy indoors.
Sometimes I feel like smashing things.
Women should not be allowed to drink in cocktail bars.
I think that Lincoln was greater than Washington.
I get excited very easily.
Once a week, I usually feel hot all over.
I am fascinated by fire.
I like tall women.
Whenever a man is with a woman he is usually thinking about sex.
People are always watching me.
If I get too much change in a store, I always give it back.
Almost everyone is guilty of bad sexual conduct.
I must admit that I am a pretty fair talker.
I never get hungry.
I know who is responsible for most of my troubles
If the pay was right, I'd travel with the carnival.
I would have been more successful if nobody would have snitched on me.
My legs are really hairy.
I think I'm going to throw-up.

Answer 6

I can understand how you feel. But you can't make employment decisions for yourself based on such things. You have to decide based on the pay, the type of work, the opportunities for advancement, and the reputation of the company. Every company has a different hiring process. Sometimes it does reflect the culture and attitude of that company, and that can be good or bad. But it's not enough to go on when making a decision about whether you want to work there, in my opinion.

See if you can't find someone who works or has worked for the same company, who can talk to you about the atmosphere and how they treat employees.

Answer 7

I think you should be happy that you are being considered for this position. I know it seems like you are being put through the ringer with all the tests, releases, etc., but, depending on the company, what you've described is not unusual. They are requiring all this of you because their policies and procedures require it of them(the company) to do so.

You may find this is an excellent company to work for, and even come to appreciate how thoroughly they screen their potential employees once you're on the employee side of the screening process.

Hang in there. If you are offered the job you can always decline, so see it through to the end is my advice.

Answer 8

Sounds like you're up for a position at the FBI or something.
But seriously though, they are that way at my job as well. Seems that so many people either lie on their applications or are not truthful during interviews and so on. I think that your prospective employer might have too many people who actually handle hiring paperwork, and probably want to make sure that all your stuff is legit.
I can't tall you how many people we hire who can't pass a simple background check. Nowadays because money is so tight, it costs the company lot of dough to hire new people. They are investing training time, insurance setup and whatever else goes into that job. So when people up and flake out, it's wasted time and money. I'l be honest, most of the process nowadays is just protocol.
Just stick it out if you really want the job...and good luck!

Answer 9

I agree that you're more likely to have decent co-workers here, but there is a good chance that if they are that particular in the hiring process they are likely to be particular about everything. If you like structure, that's great, but if you don't it might not work out for you. I'm sure you won't have to jump through this many hoops everyday if you get the job, but expect a lot of policies.

I actually like policies laid out, it's nice to know the rules ahead of time so that you have a better chance of not screwing something up without knowing. And, because you can always say "Well, I followed policy." if something does go wrong :)

Answer 10

No decision is final. If you work this job for a year and decide you do not want to continue, then you will have gained new perspectives. I would not just the first few weeks, or even months, by how you feel or questioning your decision. I am guessing every new job I have ever started, I questioned my choice in the beginning. Some of those jobs turned into gems and some into trash. Give it time. You are just feeling the stress of a new beginning. Those doubts will fly or be validated sooner or later. Try to just relax and learn all you can.

Answer 11

I agree with you that it is a rigorous hiring process. However, when any company trains a new-hire, it costs money. If the person doesn't work out and they have to hire someone else... it's even more costly.

If it's a good company, you might as well see the process through. Getting your foot in the door may lead to much better opportunities within.