I won’t get into specifics so this person was applying for a (redacted) technician role in my department in a major metro hospital. It’s a more junior role than I normally interview but the two people who normally sit for final interviews were not available. His reference check was good, he has an up-to-date background check. He seemed assertive but guarded during the interview. It was as if he was holding a grudge for a thing I didn’t do. Hard to describe.
In the interview process we ask candidates how they would react in given scenarios to test their practical knowledge. He did great but something was off. Finally I ask him if he had any questions and I’m fairly certain he’s a regular on this sub.
Him: What is the starting salary?
I answer
Him: That’s the amount posted in the add
Yes
Then he asks a bunch of questions about expected hours, overtime, days off etc.
4 12hr shifts week 1, 3 12hr shifts week 2 and every week is a week 1 or 2. If you’re called in you get time and a half. The way we call people in is we contact casuals, then part-time, then the full-time staff who opted in to the call-in list in that order. If you don’t opt-in, you don’t get called. Actually there’s no call. It’s a system notification where you either accept or decline. No reason is given. Once someone accepts the notification is cancelled. You don’t need to give a reason why.
He didn’t believe me. I showed him the system.
What if he needs time off?
There’s paid and unpaid time-off. The schedule is posted two weeks in advance. Book the time off before it’s posted. So for example the schedule that was posted July 31 will have Aug 14-27 schedule. If you want time-off for that period the request has to be in before July 31 so we can get the shift covered. It also gives staff plenty of notice so they can make plans and live their lives knowing when their days off are.
What if I call out sick?
There’s a call line, give as much notice as you can so we can cover the shift using the notification system described above.
The shift, not my shift?
That’s correct, unless you become part of management it’s not your responsibility to schedule other people.
What if there’s a problem with a supervisor or another staff member?
You have the right to have a representative of your union present at any mediation or disciplinary hearing.
Do I have to join the union?
No, but you should.
You want me to join the union?
Yes, it’s my union too
It went on like this for a while. Like he was trying to find the catch, where’s the scam?
I offered him the job and he didn’t take it. Now the next part is my speculation as he didn’t say this directly.
I think the young man was suffering from some sort of PTSD from previous work experiences that he would accept being screwed over if he knew how exactly the screwing would occur. What he could not accept was the hope he wouldn’t be screwed over.
I had a stack of applications so it wasn’t a loss for me but I really felt for the guy. Not judging him at all. I don’t know the hell he must have gone through before he walked into my office.
To anyone reading this. We’re not all out to get you. We’re not all parasites trying to drain your life essence then replace you with someone younger, less experienced and cheaper. But enough jobs and bosses are so I understand and wish you all the best.