Job Discussion Forums

nomadder · Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 2:40 pm Post subject: Job Ad Turn Offs

I often look at job ads just to see what's out there. Today I saw one that had an 18 month contract which seemed strange and they tried to hide the salary by just giving the total pay for this time instead of the usual monthly sum. But worst of all was their request for a photo. I have gotten used to this Japanese request(illegal in Canada) but what struck me was that they wanted a"recent, full length photo(jpeg or windows bitmap). Forget that I don't even know how to make that type of photo but the thing I disliked was full length. They want to check you out from head to toe. Yuck. And all this for minimum pay.

I also run from ads with too many nitpicky rules and requests. I could only imagine what working there would be like. Ones that leave out important things like salary, starting date and more are also a no no for me. Sneaky or too slack.

Can you really tell alot about a company from their job ad? The last place I worked at suited me perfectly.

BethMac · Joined: 23 Dec 2003 Posts: 79

Full length? Next thing you know, they'll be asking for a pic of you in a swimsuit. Jeez...

Irish · Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 371

I don't know if job adverts say "a lot" about companies, but they can definitely provide clues about them. Just as job seekers write CVs to make themselves sound much more attractive than they are, so too do schools/companies write ads that make themselves sound wonderful. That's why it's so important to research these organizations and not simply accept their ads at face value. Then again, some people don't seem to care (or realize that their weirdness needs concealing), resulting in laughable CVs and ads.

Personally, if an ad includes something weird/outrageous, I consider it a favor from those who ran it -- I won't waste time or money before finding out that they're insane. Unfortunately, there's always some sucker who will apply. True, all of us have different priorities and what I consider a deal breaker may not trouble you. But a full-length photo? What are these people up to?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

They want to check out various things.
1. Your height
2. Whether you indeed own a complete suit, or if you just put on a nice shirt and tie for the photo.
3. How well you dress (neatly or sloppily) overall (perhaps what kind of shoes and socks you have, how well you coordinate, etc.)
4. Your shape and weight (yes, illegal to judge, but if you provide the picture, you can't say HOW they used it)
5. Your potential for brochure photos or poster advertising

If you don't like it, don't apply.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I don't like replying to short ads. I like to see several lines/paragraphs of info about the school--working conditions, resources, salary, etc. Also, I like to see an actual contact name. I'll do the research myself to get that info if they don't provide it, but my interest in the school will plummet. If they can't take the time or spend the money to get a larger ad, I lose a bit of respect for them.

d

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

My biggest turn-off is when the school doesn't give its name. How can I possibly research them if I don't know who they are?

foster · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 485 Location: Honkers, SARS

I think the full length pic is highly suspect. No way would I apply there.

I believe that if you read an ad and something clicks in you that says NO NO NO...there is something to gut reactions. Why the buzzer never went off when I applied to Nova, I have NO idea... Razz

donfan · Joined: 31 Aug 2003 Posts: 217

My biggest turn off?

Definitely "North American accent wanted/preferred."

Rolling Eyes

What difference does the accent make? As long as the person has good elocution I can't see what difference it would make. I can't tell the difference between someone who has been taught by an American and someone who has been taught by a speaker from another country.

It borders on racism in my opinion. Mad

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Donfan, I too hate it when they ask for British English accents.

I would never give my resume (for overseas jobs) until I get some basic job info first. I may not be interested and therefore waste my time and theirs.

Snoopy · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 185

One learns to read between the lines. As soon as I see the adjectives "dynamic" and "enthusiastic", I know they mean young, inexperienced and cheap. Sorry, I'm old, experienced and expensive.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

A full-length picture...is bound to be downloaded, printed out and used in their commercials, with or without the owner of that physique present! Don't ever submit such a picture!

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I once saw an ad for a blonde hair, blue eyed teachers preferred. That's [pretty bad if you ask me.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

willy · Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2004 4:26 pm Post subject:

You�re right on the nose snoopy.
My pet pive is

�Rupiah based salary allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and holidays within Indonesia�. EF.

By whose standers? An within Indonesia? O I get it its only 400 US.

What they mean is: This is a grate opportunity to be a paid volunteer

phis · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 250