The Second Time Podcast Episode 14 – Week 21

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Spotify
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This website is the only place which has the script for the episode.

I know some platforms and apps have automatic transcriptions but I cannot endorse AI and will not take responsibility for their accuracy.

Episode Script:

Welcome to the second time podcast. No interesting job news this week. It’s the same status as always. I’m in some recruitment processes, haven’t had no’s after interviews but also haven’t had yes’. I’m waiting, waiting, and waiting some more. I only need one to turn into a contract and some cash flowing towards my bank account.

So, with nothing much going on outside of the waiting, it’s random thoughts week.

One thing to remember about hiring is that no matter what people say, it’s only partially about merit. This is not a relevant industry example for me but it did highlight this issue – a friend mentioned they went to a work event and the host was a (my description not theirs) washed up comedian who only ever punches down. It really struck me how you don’t have to be good at your job to get hired. And it’s frustrating to me how useless people have jobs and I don’t.

Another thing to remember is that most peoples advice (mine included) is their specific experience, and that they are applying that experience to you without critically assessing if it’s relevant. Case in point – my former employer said no one gets hired from just applying, for example, on seek. No one gets through the masses of resumes. Well, that was a kind of funny thing to say to me because my former employer did hire me from the pile of unknown applicants on a job board. I also had a screening call/initial interview this week from a job on seek. Just because they do not get seen in the pile of unknown doesn’t mean you won’t be seen.

Equally, referrals are not a magic way to get a job. I’ve had a referral from someone who I know would only say amazing things about me, who I would love to work with again as they were one of my favourite colleagues ever, and yet the overall attitude the company has towards disability still meant they rejected me.

Some of this may be true for you too, or it may be the complete opposite. Judge the situation on how it is going for you, not how other people tell you things must go. They’re not in your shoes.

Another observation from this time around of job hunting is regarding recruitment agencies. Now, I don’t like outsourcing, third parties, or the so called sharing economy. I think it creates a disconnected and poor quality experience in nearly every situation, especially when an issue happens and everyone passes the buck.

However, lots of relevant jobs for me are through recruitment agencies. I class them as a necessary evil. I’ve been paid for many years through recruitment agencies. If you’ve read my book, The First Time, you’ll know I had a lot of negative experiences with them last time I job hunted.

This time it has been different. They are not willing to talk to me at all now that I’ve disclosed a disability. By and large they will not even dare to ask the prospective employer about workplace accommodation requirements. If you have a disability, forget about recruitment agencies. They see you only as a hinderance to their commissions. They will not respect you, they will not try for you. If you ask them to confirm if your needs will be met, they will ghost you. It has been a 0% success rate of any kind with recruitment agencies this time around. The few who I’ve spoken to have called me for some jobs I’d love to get, but the housebound thing scares the pants off of them and they will not bring it up with their clients. It’s not within my current capacity to address this, but recruitment agencies lack of disability literacy and inclusion needs to be addressed. I’m just not sure who will do it.