I recently applied on line for a job as a secretary through an agency. He's never met me before and I don't know him or his agency from Adam. He emailed me a typing speed test, in which I completed on line. He emailed me back to say, "Sorry, you're not quick enough. Therefore I shall not put you through for the job". Talk about negative. I want an agency that will draw on my strengths and just to dismiss me like that, I find, quite rude. I told him this and he emailed, "What an attitude at such an early time in the morning". He hasn't even taken me into consideration as a whole, and just because I failed one test - that's the end. I explained to him that I need an agency who will draw on my strengths, but he's snubbed me. How do I assert myself more powerfully with him?
2007-09-16 22:24:01 · 16 answers · asked by Say It Like You Mean It 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
For starters, it's not all just about you proving yourself to a company - you also need information on said company to see if it's even a place you would want to work! Sounds like you have no information on them, however, based on how this man operates, I'm not sure that's a place I would even consider.
That being said; he might have possibly been trying to weed through prospective employees based on what he feels is a major quality he would like a potential employee to have - fast typing skills.
I would just let it go. Don't take it personally. And don't continue to contact that person. It's not worth your time, especially if you are job hunting - your time is better spent focusing on applying for other jobs, rather than engaging in this silly power struggle with a complete stranger.
There is no need for you to assert yourself 'more powerfully than him' - what would the point of it be? It's not going to get you the job, it's not going to make you a faster typist, it's not going to get him to see things your way - in fact; it's going to accomplish a whole bunch of nothing.
You know what your skills are - use them to land interviews with people who will see you in person for a formal interview.
Good luck!
2007-09-17 00:21:43 · answer #1 · answered by lookinforanswers 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
To be honest, you are best off forgetting him and moving on. Instead of attempting to assert all your energy on him, focus that energy on applying to more reputable agencies. He appears to be a small agency and that was probably the only job he had available. These small cowboys don't care about people. If he does work for a large agency, I would put an official complaint, in writing, to it's CEO and get his a** kicked. What he did was out of order. He could have told you that he was sorry that you didn't reach the speed required for that job but he will keep you on file for any other vacancies he thinks you are suitable for. A good agency will support you, advise you and attempt to get you work that you will be happy doing. Two bit , possibly one man, agencies like this shouldn't be allowed to trade. Take this as a stroke of good luck! If he's like this during an application process, imagine what he would be like if you were successful? You've had a lucky escape so go elsewhere and ignore him if he ever tries to get back in touch.
For those that appear to be defending his attittude, have you not realised that "on-line speed tests" are inaccurate. If you are on dial-up your results are normally very low due to rapid drops in bandwidth on a regular basis. Even with Broadband speeds, you can still fail as delays in transmition can be caused regularly by your firewall and especially your Anti-Virus application using up your resources whilst doing regular scans. The best solution is to test your own speed and if you are fast enough, always request that you go to the agency for any tests. That way, the results will be more accurate and you will also have the opportunity to meet them.
2007-09-17 05:40:09 · answer #2 · answered by kendavi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At the risk of sounding unpopular, welcome to the dog-eat-dog world of being a secretary. The thing is, it is perfectly normal to not get a job on typing speed. And 'm afraid it's the agencies responsibilty to be mean like that. Think about the pressure they are under to put through a suitable candidate. The average (proper) secretary will need 90wpm typing, audio typing, shorthand, scary orgnaisational skills. A lot of women make entire careers from being secretaries, and whenever you apply for a secretarial job at a good company, you are up againt those women, and it takes a hell of a lot to be considered better than them.
As for e-mailing him back telling him he's rude, well, I totally agree with you there, but you're now going to have to change agencies, because you've demonstrated that you have a reactive personality and won't tand for others rudeness, and if you want to be a secretary that's not a quality they'll want you to have.
But if the agency has never even met you, they don't sound all that reputable anyway.
I'm sure you'll find your ideal job soon, and preferably one where you're not working with idiots.
2007-09-17 05:38:43 · answer #3 · answered by electriclove18 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
unfortunately, typing speed is an essential and if it is an integral part of the job then they use this as part of the employment process.
would you employ someone who types slow but has a great attitude and other experiences or someone who can type fast, get the job done in half the time, but has little experience and no other skills?
just keep your head and move on. finding a job is always difficult and remember, agencies dont work for you unless you are paying them to find you a job. they work for the employers and are paid to find the best available staff for them. there is no point putting someone forward for a job if they are not up to the requirements as the agency have a reputation to uphold.
dont be put off, just keep looking.
2007-09-17 05:35:01 · answer #4 · answered by Paul S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have a slow typing speed I guess you will make a pretty useless secretary. Why don't you get hold of a typing program and practise until you get fast enough? It makes more sense to become what the companies are looking for rather than have a slagging match with some guy that you don't know. Work on your weak points and then you will get the job that you want in the future. Asserting yourself whilst not having the skills required isn't going to help you unfortunately.
2007-09-17 05:33:56 · answer #5 · answered by SR13 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Would you rather he lied? At least you know exactly what you need to improve on. Go practice and get your speed up - then do the test again and show him that you're motivated & determined.
This guy calls 300 people to conduct a telephone interview a day. He sees about 600 resumes a week. He writes about 15 advertisements like the very job you applied for.
Build a bridge, and get over it - either:
1) forget about it and keep making the same mistake
2) go make your weakness your strength.
Up to you buddy... I know what I'd be doing.
2007-09-17 06:00:19 · answer #6 · answered by CafeLate 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Walk away and forget it. You have not met him. Look for a local agency that you can present yourself to. Wow! I know this is the modern age but applying for a job online has got to be risky you don't have the chance to vet the people you will be working with let alone them you and it does not seem like a safe environment to me. Don't lose heart and don't be put off by a person who is obviously unable to interact personally.
2007-09-17 05:35:16 · answer #7 · answered by stef 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look if the guy said he does want you get over it
and judging by the question your asking here I would not be happy employing you either ,I mean if I did employ you and maybe sometime down the line to have to reprimand you for something
you probably sue me that's the way your coming across ,and you never even met the Man I'd stay well clear from you also. Don't mean to be hurtful but that's the way it is
2007-09-17 05:37:50 · answer #8 · answered by TOMMY B 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A letter. Physically writing something down and sending it to his superior or, even better if its a chain, head office is very powerful.
Just phoning and ranting or even emailing is never as effective as a physical letter arriving through the post plus you can put it the best way by taking the time to clarify your position while also calming down about it. Some people are just rude but its great if you can give them grief.
Good luck with your job hunting, its tough but hang in there.
2007-09-17 05:36:05 · answer #9 · answered by idlehippy 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
This is a no-win - find another employment agency!
The agency is supposed to be your advocate.
Also, make sure that you practice your typing skills a bit before taking another test. Good luck!
2007-09-17 05:29:24 · answer #10 · answered by Lauri G 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋