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View Full Version : Do recruiters blacklist people? (Long Read)



Jobseeking
05-10-2009, 04:44 PM
I'm a 25yr old jobseeker who has not been working since November last year. I accept the fact that I have had a patchy employment history because I never took building a career or sticking with jobs seriously and was more focused on enjoying life and spending my days hanging out with friends who also never took a career or work seriously. I have only had two jobs that have lasted longer than 12 months, but the majority of my roles have been short-term temporary administration roles and many have been spaced months apart. Because of this I decided it probably wouldn't be worth pursuing a job for the majority of this year because of the economic conditions and the fact there would be many people with a better job history and greater skills and experience than myself going for every job I thought I would have any chance at.

Now that there have been some major changes in my life lately, I am now deadly serious about work, and building a career and have been applying for every role I've felt I'd have a remote chance at getting. Admittedly in the past there have been interviews that I have not turned up for, and I can't help but think that because of that, many applications I send off through Seek come back within a day or two saying thanks for your application but no thanks.

So my question is this. Is there a blacklist held by recruitment agencies that they use to check against applications that are sent in? I ask because the one type of job that I have always cherished is government temp roles, and now that I'm trying hard to rebuild my work life from scratch, I'm frustrated to the point of going insane that every time I apply for a temp role that matches what I have done exactly, and in some cases my skills and experience exceeds what is asked for, I still get a rejection email back saying we've had a high number of applications but your skills aren't quite what we're looking for, yet the same job ad from the same recruiters turn up on Seek again a week later!

When this happens I get so disheartened and wonder if I will ever actually find a job. I understand that with my history it would be hard for me to get a start, but to have jobs that I exceed the requirements for come back and say no constantly really kills me. My plan was to find an administrative role by the end of the year, and then getting into a university course outside of work with a view to being well on the path to a career in the next couple of years.

Sorry for the long read but if anyone can shed some light on this subject for me I'll be able to work out where to go next.

HRinAustralia
05-10-2009, 06:59 PM
No doubt that some (most?) recruiters would have an internal "blacklist" of sorts if you'd been with them and for example, had not attended an interview before. But there isn't a central blacklist that all recruiters use, it'd be illegal. It'd even be illegal for individual recruitment companies to share this information with each other without your knowledge and consent IMO.

So on a 'positive', you would probably only be somewhat blacklisted with a company that you'd 'wronged' before. So you'd be fine with the other companies :)

Without knowing exactly how you're "selling" yourself to these companies, I'd just let you know that it is a tough employment climate out there and probably more so in temp positions than anything. Reason predominantly being that in the GFC, companies have had to shed costs and temps are the first to go, particularly in Government. Both Commonwealth and State Government departments that I've been involved in have basically "banned" the use of temps to cut costs and haven't let up on those restrictions even though the global economy is improving.

So I'd probably encourage you not to take it personally at this stage. Why recruitment companies continually keep advertising? I think it's more about keeping their brand image going, because if they're seen to be "needing" staff, they're probably trying to give the market the impression that they're good even in down times. I'm sure there are other reasons behind it, but they probably mostly aren't personal about you and your experiences with them.

Another option, if your career ambitions (particularly if you're going back to uni) are more than just "admin" focussed, don't rule out trying for some work experience in that area (i.e. HR if that's where you're headed). I've seen many instances of where putting in the hard yards of work experience actually lead to a real job. You're probably at an advantage here because a lot of people wanting to get into different fields can't actually take on work experience and build relationships and networks that way because they need to keep their current job and don't have the time to do this.

All it takes is that one temp job that turns into long term temp, that becomes permanent and your career is well under way. One recent, long tenure is a long way to wiping out any intermittent patterns of yesteryear.

So it's not the end of the world, keep trying, be innovative and things will eventually pick up for you :)

Mark D
06-10-2009, 10:51 AM
I'm a 25yr old jobseeker who has not been working since November last year

the majority of my roles have been short-term temporary administration roles and many have been spaced months apart.

The above are the reasons why you are getting quick "no thanks" replies to applications. A lot of experienced people have lost jobs in the past 12 months as the GFC bites, so in this type of job market your resume would be right at the bottom of the pile and easily culled.

Your best bet may be to stick with the temp options, and try to find a temp role that may be converted to permanent, because then you'll have a permanent position to stick on your resume. Your resume will be more appealing to recruiters once you can get that notch on your belt.

Good luck

Moz
07-10-2009, 01:43 PM
I concur with the advice from MarkD and HRinAustralia.

It certainly wouldn't help that you haven't showed up to interviews in the past, but this will only apply to those recruitment companies whom you stood up, and only if they get around to actually looking up your details on their database, which given your inconsistent work history probably isn't actually happening. Or in other words, they would only check any notes they have on file for you if they were actually considering asking you to attend an interview, but you are probably being rejected without a second thought by most recruiters simply because they have better candidates to choose from.

Your best chance is probably going for temp jobs because the outcome can sometimes be influenced by being in the right place at the right time. However, you need to give yourself an edge over other candidates. When a recruiter gets a new urgent temp assignment, if they have just seen or spoken to someone who could be a fit, that person is likely to be the first person they call. But if the only contact you have had with them is that they spent 30 seconds scanning your resume a week ago then your chances of getting a call are just about zero.

I would suggest trying to get to meet a few different recruiters who specialise in recruiting admin temps so they know who you are. Then you need to keep in touch with them (without becoming annoying) so they know you are available and are 'top of mind'. This isn't going to be easy because most recruiters will not be interested in meeting with you unless they think you might fit a job they are working on. You are probably going to need to do some persuasive telephone work to achieve this. Maybe offer to buy them a coffee and get 10 -15 mins of their time instead of trying to get in for an interview.

Re the jobs you see advertised that you believe you are over qualified for, maybe that's the problem, they think you're over qualified. Or maybe they simply haven't written the ad well and/or there are specific things they are looking for which they haven't said in the advert. I can't imagine that many agencies are advertising jobs that don't exist. What would the point in the current economic climate?

Are you following up applications with a phone call? Try to speak to the recruiter and ask why they didn't think you were suitable for consideration. You could also try calling the recruiter before sending in your resume. It can be tough to get through to them sometimes. Try calling after 5:30 when the receptionist has gone home ;)

Have you considered talking to a career counsellor? Get a professional opinion on your resume/covering letter and make sure that's not scuppering your chances.

As to your original question about blacklists which are shared by recruiters, they did exist when I first got into IT recruitment in the late 1980s and the list was circulated by one of the industry bodies at that time, by fax or mail. However you would have had to have done worse than no-show for a few interviews to get on the blacklist. I think it was more about people who had done something dishonest. Nothing like this exists today to my knowledge. Every agency today will have a database and relevant notes would be made on a candidate's record in the database, but this information would not be shared with other agencies.

Jobseeking
07-10-2009, 02:22 PM
Thanks for the advice everyone. I have certainly considered the idea of trying to get work experience and have sent about 8 letters to companies in areas I am interested in working but never received any responses (the area I would like to eventually be involved in is project management).

I don't know if my resume or cover letters are selling me well enough but I guess I will have to try and find a career counsellor and see what they think.

HRinAustralia
07-10-2009, 06:57 PM
Might need to branch out and expand upon the just sending letters approach. Companies get a lot and they're easy to file away. Calling is difficult and you might get some terse answers, but it might lead to some success.

If it's anything to go by, hunting down an HR forum and asking for advice puts you ahead of people in your situation. With getting out there and putting in an effort like that, you'll eventually be rewarded :)

Moz
08-10-2009, 10:17 AM
Thanks for the advice everyone. I have certainly considered the idea of trying to get work experience and have sent about 8 letters to companies ...

8 letters ? try 80 :)

However, as HRinAustralia said, calling may be more effective. For each company you wish to target, find out who is responsible for recruitment, call up and ask for the person by name, in some cases you might be able to find their direct number. Large companies are likely to have several in house recruiters. You can often find out their names by searching for the company's job ads on their own web site or Seek.

Before calling, make sure you know what you are going to say. Write it down if need be. You need to get your message across quickly. You're a 25 yo (hopefully degree qualified) with n years experience in admin roles, you're looking for either a permanent or temporary employment opportunity and you are available immediately. Be ready to highlight your skills and strengths if they are interested in hearing more. If they don't have any opportunities at the moment ask if they ever employ temp admin staff and if they do, how often opportunities arise. Whatever the outcome, thank them for their time. Make sure you keep notes of who you rang and when, what the outcome was, if you need to ring them again and when.

Be warned, cold calling ("dial-a-knock-back") can be pretty demoralising, but probably no more so pro forma rejection letter that tell you nothing!

Without mentioning any company names, let us know how you get on.

HRinAustralia
09-10-2009, 10:47 PM
8 letters ? try 80 :)

Indeed! I must have sent hundreds all those years ago and before things were as automated as they are now. Once I got a chance though, it was all systems go and I haven't looked back (or had to do that again!).

Jobseeking
11-10-2009, 10:01 PM
Well I had an interview on Thursday for a permanent role and it went brilliantly and I was 95% confident I had the job until they rang me and told me that none of my three referees are at the same places anymore, and because I wasn't able to provide any more they couldn't offer me the job.

What would be the best ways to try and get over this hurdle?

HRinAustralia
12-10-2009, 12:51 AM
That is really difficult... do you know where your referees are now?

It'll be a challenge. You just need one solid referee and goes from there. That's why work experience might be your best option if you can do that.

Mark D
12-10-2009, 08:39 AM
Well I had an interview on Thursday for a permanent role and it went brilliantly and I was 95% confident I had the job until they rang me and told me that none of my three referees are at the same places anymore, and because I wasn't able to provide any more they couldn't offer me the job.

What would be the best ways to try and get over this hurdle?

Always best to check with your personal referees before you add them to your resume, for that very reason.

If the recruiter is wishing to do reference checking for your previous positions, if they have half a brain they initially won't bother speaking to the referees you've provided (who for all they know could be mates of yours or a colleague rather than your direct manager), they will contact your previous employer/s and speak to either the HR person or your direct manager.

kevinh
12-10-2009, 09:40 AM
... if they have half a brain they initially won't bother speaking to the referees you've provided (who for all they know could be mates of yours or a colleague rather than your direct manager), they will contact your previous employer/s and speak to either the HR person or your direct manager.

I'm no expert, but I was under the impression that it was illegal to contact referees other than those nominated? Maybe a privacy issue?

To the Jobseeking, surely you can track down your referees?
Try Googling them, it might be worth your while.

Jobseeking
12-10-2009, 12:52 PM
I've tried google and no luck with that. I'm very disappointed about losing this job because of my references no longer being contactable so I guess I will have to look at volunteer work or work experience as my main priority now.

Mark D
12-10-2009, 12:53 PM
I'm no expert, but I was under the impression that it was illegal to contact referees other than those nominated? Maybe a privacy issue?


Job applicant submits resume saying they worked at XYZ Pty Ltd between certain dates and in certain roles. Recruiter contacts XYZ Pty Ltd to verify dates of employment, position/s held, etc. Nothing illegal and no privacy issues at all with doing that.

belinda
12-10-2009, 01:18 PM
Agree with Mark's comments in relation to the contacting the employer to verify dates, etc.

In relation to "jobseeking", have you tried to find someone else within your previous employment to be referees instead. Spoken to other colleagues at the time of employment, whom may still be in contact with referees you had listed.

michaelakassar
12-10-2009, 05:20 PM
Hi Jobseeking,

Might I suggest that from now on, whether you undertake paid work, volunteering, or work experience, that you discuss the issue of referees with your managers.

I maintain contact with most of my former managers (at least those who supervised me in professional roles). I also advise them when I'm applying for positions, and may even discuss the specifics of the role I'm looking at.

Maintaining contact with managers (even if only by email) ensures that you not only have positive relationships with your employers but also allows you to keep current contact info as well.

Finally, make sure you have mobile numbers and email addresses for your referees to improve your prospective employer's chances of getting them. Of course, always ask permission to put someone down as a reference.

Hope this helps.



Cheers
Michaela

Jobseeking
12-10-2009, 05:26 PM
Thanks for that advice. As I mentioned previously I never really took my jobs seriously and that also applied to referees so now I'm paying dearly for that. I'll definitely be keeping up contact with supervisors in the future.

HRinAustralia
12-10-2009, 06:38 PM
Maintaining contact with managers (even if only by email) ensures that you not only have positive relationships with your employers but also allows you to keep current contact info as well.


Yes and it's good to keep in touch outside of looking for a reference - if all you email them for is a reference then they might feel used! If you've kept in touch and then a reference is required, they'll be more likely to be positive about it.

michaelakassar
13-10-2009, 12:33 PM
Hi HRinAustralia,

Sorry I should have clarified this in my previous post.

My contact with former managers has always gone beyond the need for references. I only stay in touch with those who have contributed to my personal/professional development, and who displayed the right behaviours/attitudes. I also like to get second opinions about work related topics so I can expand my skills/knowledge. Of course, I try and contribute to them as well.

Additionally, I enjoy a laugh and chat with them too.

As far as needing references goes, this issue is discussed before I leave my employers and is not mentioned again unless I need it.

Hope this is clarified.



Cheers
Michaela

HRinAustralia
13-10-2009, 03:52 PM
Hope this is clarified.
Of course, I thought that's what you meant to begin with - just wanted to add my weight to it as it's very important.

Ironclad
18-10-2009, 09:33 AM
Though it is ethically wrong for employers to blacklist certain individuals and it is an infringment on individual rights and against the law, many companies and reruiters will/do still blacklist some people on the sly, but will never outwardly admit to it.

I have been blacklisted from nearly every Environmental company, Shire & City Council on the Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley & everywhere in between for over 2 years now. All because a young woman made false claimes against me and made sure the word got out (along with a photograph of me to boot). The claimes were totally false, but every attempt at finding employment in the state of Victoria in the environmental Industry has fallen on deaf ears.

This kind of thing can happen in all industries & all it takes is one person with a grudge to make claims and bobs Ur Uncle..lol News travels fast in small circles.

michaelakassar
19-10-2009, 01:54 PM
Hi Ironclad,

Wow, perhaps you might want to consider some form of legal action for lost income and any other effects this has had on you. Perhaps some media involement might help too. It sound like this horrible woman needs to be taught some painful lessons about making false claims. The employers who were stupid enough to listen to her also need their reputations destroyed.

I'm not a lawyer, so you'll need to check things out with a qualified person.

Perhaps employers should focus on the destruction of real perpetrators and let the good people get on with their lives.

Food for thought.



Michaela

Jobseeking
19-10-2009, 10:26 PM
I had an interview today for a facilities clerk position and late this afternoon they called me and told me they wanted me to take a medical assessment at their expense tomorrow.

I've never had to take one before and I am also unsure why they want me to take one. Does this mean I have a fair chance at the job, and what sort of things do they want to find out from the medical? (I'm also quite nervous about it because I'm in the middle of a pretty severe cold so I probably won't be able to do too much running or physical activity)

HRIMHO
19-10-2009, 10:29 PM
I had an interview today for a facilities clerk position and late this afternoon they called me and told me they wanted me to take a medical assessment at their expense tomorrow.

I've never had to take one before and I am also unsure why they want me to take one. Does this mean I have a fair chance at the job, and what sort of things do they want to find out from the medical? (I'm also quite nervous about it because I'm in the middle of a pretty severe cold so I probably won't be able to do too much running or physical activity)

Sounds good! In my experience they very rarely do them unless they have something planned for you. They're normally not very onerous (though it can vary!). They're just looking to make sure that there are no major issues rather than assessing your athletic ability.