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I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 12:56 am
by Bang
I sent a resume to a company today. They responded by requesting that I send them a video of my self. I have no interest in doing that, so my response was this:
https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/practices/
Pre-Employment Inquiries (General)
As a general rule, the information obtained and requested through the pre-employment process should be limited to those essential for determining if a person is qualified for the job; whereas, information regarding race, sex, national origin, age, and religion are irrelevant in such determinations.
Employers are explicitly prohibited from making pre-offer inquiries about disability.
Although state and federal equal opportunity laws do not clearly forbid employers from making pre-employment inquiries that relate to, or disproportionately screen out members based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, or age, such inquiries may be used as evidence of an employer's intent to discriminate unless the questions asked can be justified by some business purpose.
Therefore, inquiries about organizations, clubs, societies, and lodges of which an applicant may be a member or any other questions, which may indicate the applicant's race, sex, national origin, disability status, age, religion, color or ancestry if answered, should generally be avoided.
Similarly, employers should not ask for a photograph of an applicant. If needed for identification purposes, a photograph may be obtained after an offer of employment is made and accepted.
I presume I will not be hearing back from them.
Re: I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 1:21 am
by JColville
I could see a head shot if you were applying for an acting/extra position in a film or some production. Outside of that I see no need for a video. Sounds pretty creepy to me.
Re: I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 1:37 am
by Bisbee
What is the position you were applying for that they would even ask for a video of you (and doing what, flipping them the bird)? I mean it is a strange request for most jobs unrelated to acting as Jim points out.
Re: I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 1:45 am
by SubRosa
Dating site?
LOL
SR
Re: I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 2:27 am
by Bang
Bisbee wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2019 1:37 am
What is the position you were applying for that they would even ask for a video of you (and doing what, flipping them the bird)? I mean it is a strange request for most jobs unrelated to acting as Jim points out.
Selling window installations it seems. The job listing was vague (which in general is a bad sign, but I'm just casting the net at this point,) but windows were the only product I saw on their website.
Re: I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 2:40 am
by Bisbee
Hmm... and they want a video of you banging out an instal job or sumthin? Maybe of you cold-calling a sale?
Re: I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 2:58 am
by SeaDragonTattoo
Weird. Hard pass is right.
Re: I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 9:11 am
by TxChinaman
Sounds shady to me.
BTW, I read about an interview technique that's apparently in vogue at some companies. In the first few minutes the interviewer says something like "I'm sorry, but I don't think you're the right person for this position", and stares at you. Some applicants might say "okay" and leave at this point. But other applicants might say something like "I believe I'm a great fit for this position.. can you tell me why you think I'm not?" The company wants to screen applicants they figure didn't want the job that much in the first place and thetefore give up easily. They're interested in the applicants with the grit and perseverance to argue on their own behalf.
Re: I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 10:32 am
by YankeeTarheel
I can imagine that a job as an Emcee or DJ at weddings, sweet-sixteens, bar mitzvahs, and other events would need a video to judge your performance and effectiveness. Perhaps even selling windows.
But without an explanation of the reason for going beyond the normal restrictions, it doesn't make a lot of sense.
When ever I would interview an applicant, or was an applicant myself, I would sometimes get a gut reaction, I called a "glitch". Whenever I ignored it, I was inevitably sorry, 100% of the time, because it was my sub-conscious mind picking up on negative stuff I hadn't consciously yet identified. "The Glitch" worked in college and grad school with picking housemates, too.
Re: I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 12:02 pm
by highdesert
There are employment statutes (federal and state), case law and then there are employers, not surprising how many employers don't follow the law. Some of it is ignorance and some is defiance that it's their business and they can ask what they want. Stories of Google and Apple interviewing candidates over and over again to find the right employee, a video request would not be surprising to me. For a candidate sometimes it's how badly they need or want the job.
Re: I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 12:17 pm
by sikacz
I guess I would have asked in writing why a video was needed before sending your response. You have to bait them a bit more before hitting them with a club.
Re: I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 1:06 pm
by senorgrand
I assume neither you nor they are in CA. Simply asking for the video invites discrimination claims under state law. I'm not sure about federal law, as we rarely use it here because state laws are so strong.
Re: I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2019 1:14 pm
by wifesbane
I have a photo of myself on my resume but there are certain things that would be red flags to me if they asked. Asking for a photo or video in most instances would be an attempt to hide overt discrimination. Asking for FB or other social media would result in a reply of "Go F- yourself". As others have suggested, they may be violating state laws and you may be able to report them.
Re: I probably just tanked a job application
Posted: Sun Mar 24, 2019 5:58 pm
by JohnNewell
TxChinaman wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2019 9:11 am
Sounds shady to me.
I have seen bad guys collect personal information through job ads. Be careful.