Good Afternoon X,
Regarding your most recent voicemail, I did indeed decide not to move forward on this position.
With a recruiting firm as large as X, it's possible a one size fits all approach is used and works best when screening candidates, I could not say.
What I can explain is that after providing my resume, I was still asked if I had a bachelors degree. My candidate experience went down a notch. You were initially so responsive, that when I received no reply I assumed I had already lost the job for lack of a degree. It happens. Often recruiters are so slammed they can't follow up, and I don't fault them for it. We are in crazy times.
This morning when you called I learned the manager was ok with me not having a degree.
For those that don't have degrees, it's a tender subject to discuss one. If the resume is provided, there shouldn't be a need to ask. Anyone with a degree would have it on their resume. Regardless of feeling self conscious, I decided, let's continue.
Within a few minutes I was contacted by X. I was asked if I could pass a drug test and a background check. I replied “no”, to which I received “I hope you're kidding”, which I found unprofessional. I explained I lived in Washington State. My candidate experience went down another notch.
Here on the West Coast, Marijuana is legal. In addition, drug screens aren't common in office work, because no heavy machinery, driving, children, etc are involved.
Last, after all of that I was asked if it was just the drug test I couldn't pass, or could I pass a background check? I have literally never had conversations like this with a recruiter. While yes, I can pass a background check, I no longer wish to move forward. At the end of the experience I felt bad, like some sort of uneducated criminal.
( side note: I have 14 years of experience)
X, I found you to be pleasant and this is about process, not you! While I understand this could be a standardized approach for all candidates, it left me feeling marginalized.
I sincerely hope you find the very best candidate for this position.
Respectfully,
(ME)