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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Colleen D. on October 18, 2004, at 14:27:41
Today I inquired about a job I'd applied for two weeks ago to find out if there was any chance I'd still get called for an interview and I found out from the head teacher that the organization would consider it a "conflict of interest" if they interviewed me and hired me.
The job is a teaching assistant position at my son's pre-school - Head Start. He automatically qualifies for a place in Head Start because he is disabled. He is in one of 4 centers in our town and it's his classroom that the position is in. I'm very well qualified for the job as I have 4 years experience working with young children and I have three youbng children of my own, yet no one called to tell me that they could't interview/hire me because the job is in his classroom. I spoke with two other employees of this organization and they told me that it prefers to hire people familiar with and involved in the program. Why the heck can't they consider moving my child to another classroom and giving me an interview???!!! I can't describe how angry I am. This would have been a perfect opportunity for me (and my family) and I feel as though I've been thoroughly blown off. Should I call then Human Resources Director and talk with him/her? I feel myself falling into that big black hole again.
If you've made it this far, thanks for listening!
Colleen
Posted by Lou Pilder on October 18, 2004, at 14:54:37
In reply to I feeling so enraged right now!!!, posted by Colleen D. on October 18, 2004, at 14:27:41
Colleen,
I have meade it to respond to you but there is a want for infomation here in order to respond.
Could you provide the folowing infomation? If you could , thenI could perhaps providesome direction for you.
A. Is this a public or private school?
B. Is there cirtification requiered for the position?
C. Does the position requier something that you do not have such as a particular degree or amount of experiance/
D. Is there a written test involved for applicants?
E . Were you advised by letter that you would not be interviwed?
F. other relevant infomation
Lou
Posted by Colleen D. on October 18, 2004, at 15:03:17
In reply to Re: I feeling so enraged right now!!! » Colleen D., posted by Lou Pilder on October 18, 2004, at 14:54:37
Could you provide the following infomation? If you could , thenI could perhaps provide some direction for you.
> A. Is this a public or private school?
Public - it's a federally funded program.
> B. Is there cirtification requiered for the position?
High school diploma. I have a college degree.
> C. Does the position requier something that you do not have such as a particular degree or amount of experiance/
No.
> D. Is there a written test involved for applicants?
No.
> E . Were you advised by letter that you would not be interviwed?
No.
> F. other relevant infomation
Can't think of anything else at the moment.
Thanks, Lou!Colleen
Posted by Lou Pilder on October 18, 2004, at 15:17:10
In reply to Re: I feeling so enraged right now!!!, posted by Colleen D. on October 18, 2004, at 15:03:17
Colleen,
As of now, it appears that there has been no formal denial for you to interview for the position, since you have not received a letter of such.
You asked if you should call someone in authority. Hummmmm.
With what I know here, that could be a first step. After you talk with the person , then their conversation with you could direct you to any other step. So I think that could be a good start in your efforts to find out why you hav not been arranged an interview for the position. It seems that you are well-qualified. The issue with your child being in the program so that you are denied, does not seem to me as a reason for a denial of an interview unless there is some written policy of such. I suggest that you inquier as to if there is a handbook about this. If there is something to the effect that there will be a conflict of interest in hirring you, then that could be reason for them to deny you an interview. But not withstanding a handbook, then there could be recourse for you.
Lou
Posted by Fi on October 18, 2004, at 15:45:15
In reply to I feeling so enraged right now!!!, posted by Colleen D. on October 18, 2004, at 14:27:41
How awful, bureaucratic and unfair! Of course you are enraged! I'm pleased to hear that you are dealing with it so healthily- its so easy just to feel dispirited and feel bad about yourself, even tho its very much not justified.
Tactics is a difficult one. Particularly if you might want to work there in a future post. Shouldnt put you off, but sadly needs to be considered.
How about writing to the HR director, in a calm assertive way, making the same points as you mentioned in your post (including that sensible option of just moving to another class), and ask for a written reply within x days? You have every right to be furious in your letter, but its easier for them to be dismissive if they can label the whole thing as an emotional rant?
Get their reply in writing so you have some evidence, rather than any 'informal chat' on the phone?
If its not resolved, its another decision. Do you walk away from it, or get involved in a more official level of complaining? There's no right answer to that one.
eg there will be some level up from the HR director?
and/or are you a member of a union or have access to free/cheap legal advice?I'm sorry- I'm getting into 'trying to fix it' mode, and have no idea what I am talking about in practical terms!
Do whatever you need for you. And remember that you have every right to your fury! That was really the main thing I wanted to say.
Lots of luck. Keeping fingers crossed that you get a satisfactory result.
To quote a term used by the Romans; dont let the ******* get you down!
Fi
Posted by Colleen D. on October 18, 2004, at 19:40:36
In reply to Re: I feeling so enraged right now!!!, posted by Fi on October 18, 2004, at 15:45:15
Dear Fi,
Thanks for the wonderful suggestions. I DO feel that I have to let someone know that I'm disappointed in the way my "case" was handled, and you're absolutely right...I need to do it in a calm, assertive way instead of blowing up. I am fortunate to have my son in this pre-school and should another employment opportunity come up that I am qualified for, I don't need to ruin my chances for a shot at it.
It can really difficult being educated in a community where a lot of other people aren't, and it doesn't seem fair to me that a person with less experience and education should get a job like this with very good pay I might add, when I can't seem to find one right now when my family REALLY needs the money. Perhaps it is better for me to "let this go" and consider that it is for the best for my son to remian where he is.
I appreciate your very thoughtful response.
Colleen
PPD, GAD and OCD
Posted by Colleen D. on October 18, 2004, at 19:43:04
In reply to Re: I feeling so enraged right now!!! » Colleen D., posted by Lou Pilder on October 18, 2004, at 15:17:10
Thanks, Lou!
I will look into this further and see just what the policy is. I appreciate your sharing your thoughts with me!
Colleen
Posted by Fi on October 19, 2004, at 14:10:08
In reply to Re: I feeling so enraged right now!!!, posted by Colleen D. on October 18, 2004, at 19:40:36
Thank you for that. Such unfair treatment makes me want to roll up my sleeves and tell them off firmly! (not that anyone would actually pay attention to a skinny middle-aged woman, but you know what I mean!)
You deserve that job- that is clear. Aren't people awful sometimes!
Fi
Posted by Stressee on October 20, 2004, at 8:26:51
In reply to I feeling so enraged right now!!!, posted by Colleen D. on October 18, 2004, at 14:27:41
A couple of years ago I worked for a Family Fittnes Center. There was a job open and one of the other girls was asked to do it, when I had already inquired about it months before it was open. They hired her, and much to my suprise I was told I wasn't concidered for the job because I still have kids at home. Ha, I wrote the organization a letter stating that the behavior was discrimination, and never heard another word back. I do know that enraged feeling. PS. I was furious and quit the job on the spot. -L
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