Treatment of job applicants

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33791, 13 March 1975, Page 16

Treatment of job applicants

Sir, — I must agree wholeheartedly with your correspondent, “Supposed Burden on Society.” However, I assure him that even persons of conventional dress and life-style are subjected to the same discrimination and discourtesy. A further imposition by employers and employment agencies is the invasion of privacy contained in application form questions. Why should a middle-aged applicant for a comparatively minor job, be required to supply his mother’s and his wife’s maiden, as well as the names and dates of birth of each child (many of whom may be self-supporting)? Surely a competent interviewer will be able to assess if an applicant is short-list material or not. Only then should he be expected to furnish written intimate details. Very few application forms probe for job knowhow, but are more interested in religious and social affiliations or if you own your own home or car. Unsuccessful applicants should have questions returned to them. — Yours etc., SMOKEY. March 11, 1975.