Companies charging interviewees??

WestieFan

My son is desperately looking for a job. He came back from the Jobcentre with details of a few vacancies, and had phoned one of them up (Phone Banking Advisor).
He told me that he took part in a 'telephone interview' lasting around 15-20 minutes and was told at the end of it he was unsuccessful. I happened to look over the piece of paper he got from the Jobcentre, and notice that the number he had to phone is an 0870 number.

I am so angry about this. How many more companies at at this carry on? And why are the Jobcentres allowing it to happen to people who can least afford to pay the cost of these calls.

I am so angry :mad:

mountainofdebt

WestieFan wrote:

And why are the Jobcentres allowing it to happen to people who can least afford to pay the cost of these calls.

You could also ask why you have to ring such a number to actually get details of jobs that are on their website!

WestieFan

It was the company he wanted to apply to that used the number.
He phoned up thinking he would just be asking for an application form but was kept on the phone for almost 20 minutes being 'interviewed', not realising how much an 0870 number cost.

Incidentally, the company is a very large bank.

Justicia

WestieFan wrote:

I am so angry about this. How many more companies at at this carry on? And why are the Jobcentres allowing it to happen to people who can least afford to pay the cost of these calls.

Actually, it's not only the unemployed and those on low incomes who use Jobcentre Plus...

JCP is not likely to dictate to employers how they conduct their recruitment, why should they? This method is not illegal, just bordering on immoral.

I agree however that keeping someone hanging on an 0870 number without a warning at the onset is a ridiculous and unbelievable practice... :rolleyes: I suspect that it will become increasingly common with larger companies, as with 0845 numbers.

IvanOpinion

Maybe it is seen as cost efficient for both parties? Was the cost of the phone call possibly cheaper than having to go out and buy a shirt/tie, getting on the train/bus or driving to the place (remember the average car journey costs about 40p per mile).

We are all happy to pay for those things when going for an interview therefore maybe 0870 is the 21st century equivalent ???

Ivan

WestieFan

I believe this was just the first stage of the interview. If he had passed, and it seems that it mostly consisted of ticking the right boxes, he would have been called to a face-to-face interview anyway.

I see the suit/shirt/tie etc as a kind of investment, as it can always be used for other interviews or be worn if and when he starts a job.

My son is only 18, and is (or was) unaware of the cost of an 0870 call. What made me angry was that he wasn't warned about either the cost of the call or how long it would last. Seems like a nice little earner for these large organisations.

Why can't they just warn people of this and make sure they "have the bill payer's permission" before continuing?

Slayerx

I have taken part in a similar interview process and you are right he would of then been asked to attend a formal interview.

skintchick

It doesn;t help now, but tell your son about the saynoto0870 website

kar

Should have called from the job centre - doesn't cost a penny then. You can dial employers from job centre phones - just ask the staff.

Justicia

kar wrote:

Should have called from the job centre - doesn't cost a penny then. You can dial employers from job centre phones - just ask the staff.

Too right.

Or, if available, use the Jobcentre Plus phones that are available for free public use (for jobsearches however, not for arranging dinner with relatives ).

WestieFan

Thanks
I explained to son re Jobcentre phones. It seems he knew about them but didn't like using them as everybody in the vicinity can overhear what's being said.

The Jobcentre is not in the best of areas (2 security guards!) and he has seen people being ridiculed whilst on these phones by the 'asboids' who are hanging about. Not the most comfortable of situations to take part in a phone interview.

Looks like he either avoids these companies or I will just have to make allowances for higher phone bills