Intrusive questions on application forms

t0rt0ise

They aren't allowed by law to ask these sorts of questions until a job offer has been made. I'd play the game and say you have no illnesses or medication if you really want the job. If I then didn't get the job I'd write to them pointing out how they are breaking the law.

Buellguy

OK, to come at it from the other side, the job is in a car dealership, if, at any point you are going to be driving their vehicles, both of these


"list any diseases, disorders, allergies, muscular or musculoskeletal injuries from which you have suffered or do suffer"
and "Please detail any form of medicine, drugs or treatment you are currently and/or regularly receiving"


At least the bits I have highlighted, may have an effect on the ability to drive and therefore their insurance. Therefore on the ability to carry out the job and not so inconsequential as questions.
Not saying it's right, just pointing that bit out.

BillJones

DKLS wrote: »

Another reason to add to the long list of why I refuse to fill in an application form and don't pursue any job that uses those outdated and time consuming HR tools.

You keep mentioning this frankly weird attitude of yours, but hopefully understand that for most people, in most careers, it'd be a terrible policy.

CCFC_80

I wouldn't disclose my previous medical history. They can't find out about it unless you give them your permission. They probably won't go that far anyway. Lots of outdated application forms are still around likely to be designed by company jobsworths who ask for every detail about yourself bar your inside leg measurement.

DKLS

BillJones wrote: »

You keep mentioning this frankly weird attitude of yours, but hopefully understand that for most people, in most careers, it'd be a terrible policy.

Well its worked for me, and I can pick and choose whether I want to jump through the HR hoops or not, thankfully many companies still stick to the tried and tested CV and multiple interview method.

So my own rules are no app forms, no lengthy cover letters, no hand written letters !!! !!!!!! is that about? and no ridiculous interview requests like the Charity who wanted me to prepare and present a 5yr plan to them.

BillJones

DKLS wrote: »

Well its worked for me, and I can pick and choose whether I want to jump through the HR hoops or not,.

I can choose the same, and can guarantee that had I refused to fill in these forms that I'd never, ever have got near to what is, for me, a brilliant career.

tea_lover

Questions like this can only be asked if they are directly relevant to the job role.

SnowyOwl_2

Buellguy wrote: »

OK, to come at it from the other side, the job is in a car dealership, if, at any point you are going to be driving their vehicles, both of these


"list any diseases, disorders, allergies, muscular or musculoskeletal injuries from which you have suffered or do suffer"
and "Please detail any form of medicine, drugs or treatment you are currently and/or regularly receiving"


At least the bits I have highlighted, may have an effect on the ability to drive and therefore their insurance. Therefore on the ability to carry out the job and not so inconsequential as questions.
Not saying it's right, just pointing that bit out.

It's a car dealership, so I would have thought it unlikely anyone employed there would be qualified to make a decision about a person's driving ability from a medical perspective. Besides which of course it is a desk job, no driving involved. I wonder if they get rid of employees if they contract some sort of disease which affects their capability to drive even if it's just temporary. Imagine if you broke your leg, you'd lose your job.

I've had a think about all this and am going to apply for the job but be economical with the truth. The fact of the matter is that if I was employed there and some time in the future needed to take some sort of prescription medicine would I need to tell them about it, especially if it made no difference to my ability to sit at a desk, use a computer and talk to people. I, wouldn't tell them, it'd be none of their business.

DKLS

BillJones wrote: »

I can choose the same, and can guarantee that had I refused to fill in these forms that I'd never, ever have got near to what is, for me, a brilliant career.

I also have a brilliant career after making a number of strategic career decisions, and in fact have landed a new role with 40% salary uplift starting on monday, and despite a lengthy HR process there wasn't any need for an application form.

BillJones

DKLS wrote: »

I also have a brilliant career after making a number of strategic career decisions, and in fact have landed a new role with 40% salary uplift starting on monday, and despite a lengthy HR process there wasn't any need for an application form.

Well, good for you, a rise is always nice.

Of course, the percentage increase doesn't really contain any useful information about if your strategy is a good one. You could well have been underpaid previously, because of the limits you place on which jobs you'll go for. If you were only on £50k before, for example, it would hardly vindicate your way of doing things.

On the flip side, I'd have had to pass by a great job in the US, and to forego my first ever seven figure salary had I refused to fill in an application form a few years back so, as I've said previously, a blanket refusal to select jobs that require a form can be a poor strategy sometimes.