PSA

Here is a public service announcement that I feel I need to share with the blogging world:

This past week has been a bit crazy at work. We are preparing for our annual survey by the state. This is where the state comes and basically audits all of our practices and services. They will look at the financial records of our service recipients, daily shift notes stating the individual's daily activities, personnel and training files, inspect the homes our individuals live in, and talk with each supported person and his/her staff. It's pretty intense and "grades" how we do as an agency. In order to get everyone's training up-to-date, I've had to do some CPR re-certifications, among other tasks to ensure our personnel files are complete. On the days I teach CPR/First Aid, I wear scrubs since I'm on the floor a lot demonstrating and grading skills.

Here is some more background information- we are also in the process of hiring an HR Generalist. Our process for hiring administrative staff is to 1)post the listing, 2)gather resumes (for outside candidates) or letters of interest (from inside candidates), then 3)begin calling people to set up interviews. We typically do not take applications until we've chosen our candidate. Then, we have him/her come in and complete an application and we begin the application process which includes drug screening, background checks, checking registries, etc.

I just happened to be at the front desk when a lady came in and asked to complete an application for the HR position. I informed her that we are not taking applications for this position right now, but she'd be welcome to leave a resume. She insisted she wanted to complete an application, so I asked her if she had her driver's license, social security card, and proof of valid automobile insurance (we require copies of all three documents in order for someone to complete an application). She did not have two of the three required documents, so once again, I informed her that she'd be welcome to leave her resume, but we were not accepting applications at the time. At this point, I'm begging to get a bit annoyed by her attitude, but am still trying to be pleasant. She leaves her resume then tells me her friend, who happens to be a current employee with us sent her to complete an application. I let her know that her friend was in a meeting at the present time, but I would let her know that she was here and dropped off a resume. She proceeded to look around the office, as if I'm lying to her. This attitude is really beginning to rub me the wrong way. We went back and forth about her desire to complete an application. Finally, she looked at me and said, "You do know that Monday is the last day to complete applications for this job, right?" I replied, "Yes ma'am, but we've extended the deadline because we're not ready to begin reviewing resumes yet." Once again, she gave me a look as if I had no idea what I'm talking about. She asked me to check again and make sure we did not want her to complete an application. So, I go back and double check with my supervisor (the Director of HR) and he confirms- no application at this time. I assured her I was going to turn in her resume and asked her if there was anything else I could help her with. She said no and proceeded to walk out of the building. Not one minute after she left the building, she called and asked to speak to another member of the HR team. On the phone she stated that she had dropped off a resume and that "the girl" at the front desk told her she did not need to complete an application. She then proceeding to ask again if she should have completed an application. The other HR member assured her a resume was sufficient, and no applications are being taken at this time.

Keep in mind from the previous information that I was wearing scrubs this day, since I was training. I'm sure she assumed that I was just a direct care staff person who did not know what I was doing or anything about this job opening. Unfortunately, this was just not the case. For once, I knew exactly what I was doing and talking about, especially since I am going to be the immediate supervisor of this person!!

So....here's the PSA- never be rude to the person at the front desk. You have no idea who that person is and his/her role in the company. After this event occurred, I was literally speechless for a minute. I could not fathom how in the world this person thought she would get this job with the attitude like she presented!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until next time...NEVER BE RUDE TO THE PERSON AT THE FRONT DESK (especially if you're trying to get a job in his/her department)