cleaning role

jkc_2

i know I have ranted on in the past about difficulty in gaining employment in this country. Recieved an application form today for a cleaning position. required was, past employment, CRB, references and education. applicants will be shortlisted then called for an interview in front of a pannel. I am shocked and angry that I need all this for a cleaning role offering minimum wage four to five hours work over two days 7-9am basically before the place opens its doors ggr
any way problems - employment gaps and referees.
ok gaps due to working for parents in their business
incap
followed by voluntary work which was a bad experience
any advice please.

AndyAndyAndy

Post a bit more detail on what the gaps are, why they happened, how long they are. What's the problem getting a reference from the past employers?

A bit more specific might result in more replies and help. Consider editing the opening post instead of posting again as that's what most people look at.

Good luck

Anihilator

Sorry why on earth should someone employ you without conducting a proper process?

CRB, Application forms and interviews are entirely routine for most jobs. The only bit that isnt necessary for all jobs is a CRB

If you cant pass these processes well thats your own fault and problems and not due to anything else.

Oldernotwiser

Working as a cleaner is a responsible job where trust and honesty are important; I don't understand why you're surprised at the application procedure.

mumps

What sort of business are you applying to? Employers can only apply for a CRB if it falls into certain category, well that is my understanding. Would you be working with vulnerable adults or children?

jkc_2

I understand, I will try and go through the process, but I would be nervous in front of a pannel of interviewers though.
its a charity shop, however I wont be in contact with the GP or clients as the hours are before the office opens.

donquine

jkc wrote: »

7-9am basically before the place opens its doors ggr

And before the normal staff arrive. This is a position of trust - you could steal things, maybe gain access to confidential files, depending on how they're stored. That's presumably why the CRB is needed - to demonstrate that up until now you've been a law abiding citizen so chances are, you'll continue to be one.

What went wrong with the voluntary work?

jkc_2

It was charity work, giving advice, when you sign up you are told any one is able to do the work , that there are senior trained people ready to deal with major issues you pick up. however once let loose on the GP the backup is not there. there was staff gossip and non confidentiality about the quality of advice rumors about each advisor, i cant go into details but there was a culture.
It just did not live up to the sign up understanding. I ended up out of depth, and seeing one volunteer in tears on her first day. stuck it for three years I left without keeping contact but not on bad terms, although with out resigning, so dont think I can ask for any reference.

RobertoMoir

donquine wrote: »

And before the normal staff arrive. This is a position of trust - you could steal things, maybe gain access to confidential files, depending on how they're stored. That's presumably why the CRB is needed - to demonstrate that up until now you've been a law abiding citizen so chances are, you'll continue to be one.

A CRB "demonstrates" no such thing. It simply means that someone hasn't been caught so far. Which might be because they're honest and law abiding of course. Just keep that in mind. And the post doesn't appear to involve exposure to vulnerable people, which is what a CRB check is designed for really.

As such, it may be the employer's process, fair enough, but I'd certainly suggest it was excessive. And expensive - CRB checks aren't free AFAIK. Good use of donated funds there?

jkc_2

hopefully any files should be stored on computer under password protection or under lock and key. being another advice agency. I was hoping for an informal interview or chat which would show my character and previous employment but no such luck.
I already did a crb for the charity work and I only left last year so thats no problem. its just refs I think.
I may go to the local vicar who knows me
but I need two.

ceridwen

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Working as a cleaner is a responsible job where trust and honesty are important; I don't understand why you're surprised at the application procedure.

Well - true that trust and honesty are indeed important - but they are in any job actually.

I would certainly be astonished to have to go through all that palaver just to get a cleaning job (even at the correct rate of pay - still less NMW). I havent had to apply for jobs for quite some time now - but I would expect to get any cleaning job I asked for instantly just like that actually. At the most - just get some comment about "I've got one other person to see - and then I'll let you know".

Personally - I took the precaution of getting a reference from someone I did a bit of cleaning for years ago now and have kept that on file (so I have a glowing reference if required) - but I wouldnt even expect to have to produce that to get a cleaning job.

Hmmm....on further thoughts = I would expect to get any cleaning job where the person concerned worked on their own instantly with no trouble at all. If it was a cleaning firm - then I would expect rather differently - as in expecting them to only give me a job in a group of cleaners if they were desperate and short of applicants (but I would still expect to get the job - as I think they probably ARE short of applicants). So - I guess there is that difference in what I would expect.

Back to specifics - if they want a CRB check - then obviously its up to them to pay for it if need be. Why should you pay an employers' expenses for them after all?