If you really don't want to work...please don't apply....

For the last 11 years working in recruitment I've certainly heard some interesting stories and excuses and nothing really surprises anyone in our office anymore. We often joke we should write a book...

I guess from living and working remote for so many years we've all experienced everything you can in preparation. Whilst at times so not to disappoint others we will continue to act shocked when bad news comes through but deep down it's never a surprise if something goes wrong as this is the industry we are in. In fact many times a gut feeling will give you that pre-warning in advance...

It's not uncommon to receive bad news at least once a week, sometimes on a really bad week you may hear something disappointing every day. Being a recruiter you deal with people from all walks of life and each person seemingly has a different moral compass. We have coping mechanisms in place to handle the bad news...sadly this generally involves rocking in the corner with a chocolate bar yelling obscenities at the wall...or venting it out in our weekly blog..ha ha...

I was bought up where your word is your word. A persons word was as good as a hand shake and a signed contract but times have certainly changed and these days this is becoming quite a rarity in this industry. We do struggle to take someone at their word sometimes which is the disappointing part because there are still many honest and committed people out there.

Even those with the best of references can come up with the most elaborate stories!

Sure, It's is true that situations can change in a persons life and sometimes there are genuine reasons that someone cannot take employment but generally those people are honest and will tell you what's happening.

In the last 2 weeks we have had so many deaths and illnesses we are not sure who to send flowers too and are starting to think we should start recruiting for the funeral industry. Sorry I can't take this job "someone' in my family died (can't recall who), sorry I can't take this job "someone' I know has passed away, sorry I can't take this job my mum, dad, aunt, brother, sister, cousin, dog or pet cat is dying or the best one was.... sorry I can't sign this contract as an armed intruder robbed me and stole my laptop.....come on people...ever heard of Karma....

Then you actually have someone tell the truth but you would rather they lied and told you someone died... like today a senior manager who was due to fly out tomorrow for a new position he accepted a couple of weeks ago calls to advise he had a 'better offer this morning' and isn't coming on the flight tomorrow. BAM...just like that....Signed contract and travel booked, employer due to go on holidays when he arrives but without a care in the world, 'sorry but the other offer was better'...

That would have been great to know 2 weeks ago

So...Seemingly he is honest but clearly has no integrity...

If you don't want to work all good but please don't accept the contract, pull out at the last minute and please don't ruin our reputation along the way. On the upside though I guess we and the employer dodged a bullet as candidates like this we certainly don't want on our team...

Our sincere thoughts go out to those though that have actually lost a family member....may they Rest in Peace...

Our process is fairly simple, please do your research before we submit your application (we certainly give you all of the finer details), don't verbally accept with the employer unless you're sure and certainly DON'T sign the contract if you don't intend taking the job. Leave the jobs for those that genuinely want the position and if you do accept please have some decency, stick to your word and take the job...Being remote our employers can't just hire someone from around the corner to be there tomorrow and this can have a devastating impact on their business...

We have a saying in our office when something happens as to not dwell on the bad...chuck it in the XXXXXX bucket and move on...sadly the bucket is full this week already...So as we end this Monday, please.... if you sign a contract take the job and if you don't want to work please don't apply for the role.

Here's to a better week ahead....

PS...We now have an awesome Restaurant Managers job to start straight away if anyone's keen.....