Thwarted By HR

Last week I was asked at the very last minute to teach a class for a nearby university. Being that it was higher ed, the money was negligible but I liked both the topic and the person that offered me the opportunity so I said yes. A few hours later I was filling out the online HR application. Did I mention it was Friday afternoon before classes were to begin on Monday?

In the education section, the form asked for the month, day and year that my degrees were conferred. I can certainly tell you the month and year I graduated but have no idea the date. Unfortunately, my diplomas are not framed and hanging in my office. I actually don’t know where my diplomas are although given some time I’m sure I could find them.

The online system would not let me proceed with the application process. I could not get past this page.

I called the woman in the dean’s office and she said it doesn’t matter, just make something up. Because I knew I’d have to check the box at the end of the application attesting to the accuracy of what I submitted I was uncomfortable with that. So she connected me with someone in HR who also told me to just make something up, it doesn’t matter. She said I could go back in and correct it later. A fluid application form? That seemed weird to me.

Anyway, if it doesn’t matter, why is the question on the form?

I advise my career clients to fill out job application forms accurately and honestly; resumes and linkedin profiles should be accurate and truthful as well. I believe it is important.

Knowing that it was impossible to get all the info needed to complete the form that day, I let the dean’s office know that it just wasn’t going to work. The last minute nature of the situation was definitely a factor but sometimes forces conspire to create those. A few more days and I could have scraped up the necessary information. Also, I look for messages from the universe and it was showing me a big red stop sign. .

The experience opened my eyes to the kind of craziness job seekers encounter. My friend Robin Schooling over at HR Schoolhouse writes about inane things HR does and this one made me think of her.

Message to HR: Every single hurdle you put into your selection system can screen out potential employees. Ideally, these screen out candidates you don’t want but it can also be the candidates you do want. Make certain that the information you ask for is necessary.

Would love to hear your thoughts on employee selection.