Job Discussion Forums

[canada_1986]

I have filled out a couple of job application forms for jobs in Mexico, including one at a public university. What I would like to know is why Mexican employers ask for the names, addresses, religions, occupations, and places of employment of all family members including parents, siblings, children, and all four grandparents. They also ask for my religion, and whether I have any chronic medical conditions. These forms never state why they are collecting this information.

I don't mind giving out all that information (since obviously that's how it's done in Mexico if you want a job), but I just find it difficult as a Canadian as our privacy laws prohibit asking for information that is not relevant, and that forms must state why certain information is being collected. I know that for example you don't dare ask about religion in Canada unless you're hiring clergy or a teacher in a religious school. I don't understand the relevance of where my father currently works; what business is it of anyone's?

It's just a curiosity I have.

[Guy Courchesne]

Just the way it's done in Mexico...people here simply don't think the same way we do in Canada (or parts of it anyway)or see much of an issue of asking such questions.

Incidentally, there are some new privacy laws that came out of congress recently and are being implemented in the business world, but they are more about protecting consumer information. I am surprised to see how seriously they are being taken in the Mexico City business world.

[Phil_K]

Personally, I would never give that information - it's not relevant, and it's none of their business. If a place insists on it, then look for somewhere else to apply. It's not true that "that's the way it's done". There are many more reasonable employers.

[Guy Courchesne]

[Phil_K]

No, but a lot use the standard application form, which may intimidate the uninitiated with all those questions. I think maybe I've used that, and not answered the questions I didn't want to ... with no problems.

[Guy Courchesne]

Exactly...most are useless holdover questions from a bygone era that no one ever thinks about or uses.

Real questions with actual repercussions you'd worry about being asked are along the lines of if you have medical issues or plan to have children in the future (if you are a woman). Those affect hiring decisions more than if your father was a pig farmer with the wrong last name in the 19th century.

[Enchilada Potosina]

[canada_1986]

[Phil_K]

Another reason for not including family details is the admittedly highly unlikely case that they could be contacted. My mother is 80 y-o and suffers from advanced Alzheimer's. Imagine!

In any case, I wouldn't want my parents' details circulating in the security risk that is Mexico.

[Enchilada Potosina]

[Gregory.]

I am famed for my naiivity but I think institutions ask for the standard application forms - the ones that can be found for sale in papelerias for two main reasons;

1. They allow recruiters a standardised format that everyone has access to. I really don't think that your parents occupations is important. I just think its background information being asked for.

I suspect, more important than the information itself, is the ability to offer a complete and well presented application form. One with holes and spaces will raise suspicion for the recruiter.

2. Have you ever seen a regular Mexican C.V? It always surprised me when they were sent to me. Less is definitely not more when it comes to sending cvs- I have had 8 page long CVs to look at which is impossible.

Asking for the standard form to be filled out can, in some instances be easier for a recruiter to find the information that they are looking for- mostly employability.

My advice would be to fill in the form as neatly and as completely as possible and don't be worried that it may count against you. On the contrary, I think it'll help you succeed.