A wasted day thanks to Asda :(

MrsMalthouse

Hi,
I applied for a job at Asda today and got invited to one of their 'Asda Magic' interviews. I was really excited and hopeful for the job. I purchased a new outfit for the interview (from Asda!) and really swatted up on my Asda knowledge!

I arrived and waited with ten other interviewees for 20 minutes. They then took us into a room and sat us around a big table. A lady appeared and introduced herself as the Asda people manager. After she had introduced herself, the first thing she proceeded to say was:

"You are all aware that this is a seasonal position aren't you?" We all looked at each other, baffled. I spoke up:

"That's not what it said on the online application..." She replied:

"Well SOME people didn't read the application properly-it says seasonal at the top of it." Again we looked around confusedly. A young man spoke up:
"It said PERMANENT on the application..." And we all nodded in agreement. She looked a bit flustered, looking at the other interviewers for help and replied:

"Well, it IS permanent-you would be working for 5 weeks until Xmas and then we will keep your name on file and get you back in Easter." :eek:

Well at that point, several of us had to leave the interview as we could not work like that-we needed full time, permanent work. Basically, I'm just posting this experience as I feel a bit misled. I have just checked the application and it does NOT say seasonal anywhere on it. After buying the clothes (Although I know they'll come in handy later) I feel like I've paid ASDA for the privilege of them messing me about! It cost me £4.10 on the bus just to get there and I'd say the whole debacle cost me about £40 in total but I thought it would be worth it...:(

Uncertain

MrsMalthouse wrote: »

Hi,
I applied for a job at Asda today and got invited to one of their 'Asda Magic' interviews. I was really excited and hopeful for the job. I purchased a new outfit for the interview (from Asda!) and really swatted up on my Asda knowledge!

I arrived and waited with ten other interviewees for 20 minutes. They then took us into a room and sat us around a big table. A lady appeared and introduced herself as the Asda people manager. After she had introduced herself, the first thing she proceeded to say was:

"You are all aware that this is a seasonal position aren't you?" We all looked at each other, baffled. I spoke up:

"That's not what it said on the online application..." She replied:

"Well SOME people didn't read the application properly-it says seasonal at the top of it." Again we looked around confusedly. A young man spoke up:
"It said PERMANENT on the application..." And we all nodded in agreement. She looked a bit flustered, looking at the other interviewers for help and replied:

"Well, it IS permanent-you would be working for 5 weeks until Xmas and then we will keep your name on file and get you back in Easter." :eek:

Well at that point, several of us had to leave the interview as we could not work like that-we needed full time, permanent work. Basically, I'm just posting this experience as I feel a bit misled. I have just checked the application and it does NOT say seasonal anywhere on it. After buying the clothes (Although I know they'll come in handy later) I feel like I've paid ASDA for the privilege of them messing me about! It cost me £4.10 on the bus just to get there and I'd say the whole debacle cost me about £40 in total but I thought it would be worth it...:(

Well if you have hard proof (and don't want to work for them) then I would write a snotty letter to the Chief Executive and threaten a copy to the press if you don't get a satisfactory reply within seven days!

I suspect if you make enough fuss they will cough up your expenses!

MrRedundant

Someone made an error. It happens.
Seasonal work at asda is surely better than unemployment.

MrsMalthouse

The only proof I have is the other people that were interviewed-not that I know anything about any of them! The shame of it all is though, I would have loved to have gotten the job and I'm so upset about it all-they would have had a good worker here I assure you. I thought about complaining but still have a hope of maybe getting a proper job in one of their stores eventually.

MrsMalthouse

MrRedundant wrote: »

Someone made an error. It happens.
Seasonal work at asda is surely better than unemployment.

I can't take seasonal work as my husband is on Incapacity Benefit and if I go to work his benefit will be stopped so it's not worth it just for 5 weeks and then have to go through the whole reclaiming process again with nothing to live on inbetween IYSWIM.:o

craigpauli

Bad idea buddy shame of you.....

lilac_lady

Sometimes a temporary job leads to a permanent one.

dmg24

MrsMalthouse wrote: »

I can't take seasonal work as my husband is on Incapacity Benefit and if I go to work his benefit will be stopped so it's not worth it just for 5 weeks and then have to go through the whole reclaiming process again with nothing to live on inbetween IYSWIM.:o

IB is not means tested. Even for means tested benefits, a rapid reclaim takes no time at all. It is pretty sad that you would choose benefits over going out to work.

shikoku

My last permanent job lasted two weeks before the work ran out. Permanent means nothing these days.

forever.insane

Write to them anyway. You can email them, I did it and got a letter response about something else. This is pretty shocking.

People make mistakes, but mistakes are sorted by proof reading.

mountainofdebt

have to agree that you should have continued with the interview regardless of whether it was for a seasonal job or not - but there again that comment goes for everyone who walked out of the interview.