Pamela,

IMHO, if you put down the last known address/phone number of your previous
employers that is all that is needed.  They would know what happened to your
previous supervisor.  I don't think it is your responsibility to track them
down.  And at some of our ages, many of our previous supervisors are no
longer around.  ;o)

I am also concerned with the aspect of discrimination by employers.   It
seems to be the custom to send out a survey or questionnaire (although they
state they provide equal employment opportunities and are not
discriminating) that completing such a form is purely "voluntary."   It is
away to skirt the law.  But if you don't reply ~~ are you a team player?
Will they throw your application in the round file?

I have a form in front of me now. It states: "In an effort to evaluate our
recruitment and hiring practices for efficiency, we ask that you complete
this applicant data survey.  This survey is not (underlined) a part of your
official application for employment and information from it will not be used
for any purpose other than for this survey."  Odd, they have it -- if they
don't like your age, race or gender --- are you going to get the job?  The
form must be submitted with your application.  Does the hiring manager or
selection committee see the survey?   Who are they kidding!  Does it remain
part of the applicants packet and go through the hiring process.  I think
so.

What is the list concept of this?  How many of you would throw an
application in the round file if age, gender, race, veteran, etc. were not
included on your form?  Of course -- who is going to say?  It is a form of
reverse discrimination in a nut shell.  Then they also ask for your "salary
history" so that employer is really out playing games.

What do those things have to do with my ability to do the job, my previous
experience and background abilities?  It is a game to weed people out
because of age, race and gender -- and of course if your salary is to low --
then you are stuck with that if you are hired -- and if too high ~~ there
goes your application in the garbage.  How many of the employers out there
believes that age, race and salary history, etc. has anything to do with an
employee doing the job?

We are in a field/career that is against discrimination, yet the employers
who send out such things are directly in violations of discrimination, and
simply are using the "voluntary" surveys or questions to put your
application in another stack of "don't hire."

Again, IMHO, I think these employers ought to be noted and such tactics send
to the federal government.

As I've been told, "John, do you really want to work for an employer who are
discriminating and playing the salary game?  Do you want to work for an
employer who does not provide you the salary they want to pay a candidate up
front?"  I had to agree, such employers are unpluralist bigots.  I hate to
say this on this "professional" list with possible employers for myself out
there, but some employers need to grow up and start living in a world they
themselves are against --- discrimination.

Again, the color of my skin, my age, my sexual orientation, my religion, if
I am a vet -- or what salary I have made in the past has nothing whatsoever
to do with the job.   Grow up employers and smell the roses -- and get a
reality check.

It also does not matter how long an employee was between jobs.  Gracious
sakes, what happened on 9/11?  Was/is this a recession we are in?  I just
read that there were over 100,000 new people filing for unemployment.  Jobs
are becoming hard to find and land.

I think such tactics should also keep such discriminating employers from
receiving local, state and federal grants.   And possible grant/funds they
request, their "discrimination record" should be sent to those foundations
or agencies that are thinking about funding such unethical museums and/or
nonprofit organizations.  I think the only time for such a survey or form is
AFTER one is hired.

However, I've been told -- If I don't play their game I would not be
considered a "team player" and if the form is not included, completed and
all "i's" dotted and "t's" crossed -- I will not get the job.  Sadly to get
a position....one may have to be
a team player, subjecting yourself to discrimination.

John
Utah



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