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AIBU?

To think I'm stuck in a bloomin' catch 22 with no sodding way out?!

22 replies

MagratOfStolat · 06/04/2013 15:20

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHH!

OK, so I'm trying DESPERATELY to find a job. And I mean desperately. I have great GCSE's and A-Levels, I'm relatively young, and I can provide some seriously wicked references, and all I'm getting is the rejection e-mails. But this one rejection e-mail really did it for me.

I was told I was no good for the job. Because I can't drive. "I'm afraid due to your lack of license, you have been unsuccesful".

Fair enough, except 1) they didn't put in the application form that a driving license was required or even preferred and 2) that it's a job IN AN OFFICE that is THREE FUCKING MILES DOWN THE ROAD. And that isn't even "as the crow flies", it's the actual distance from my front door to this place.

I can't drive? Well I don't give a fucking STUFF if I can't drive! What the bloody hell is wrong with me walking, cycling, scooting, rollerblading, running, jogging, skipping, hopping, jumping, skateboarding, swimming, boogieboarding, disco dancing, horse-riding, carpooling, pogoing, travelling in a horse and cart, begging for a lift from my DP, riding the bus, playing Hopscotch, rubbing my magic lamp to wish or even fucking rocketing my way to and from work?!

I can't afford to learn to drive until I get a job. I can't get a fucking job until I learn to drive.

AAAAAAAAAAAANBVGF;AESVNBRU;A;N

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LeaveTheBastid · 06/04/2013 15:23

Maybe an email back asking where it stated in the job spec that a driver was required, and ask for what reasons? State you're only 3 miles away? Madness.

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maddening · 06/04/2013 15:24

would you be expected to drive for the job? What type of job is it?

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MagratOfStolat · 06/04/2013 15:25

I'm considering it, but if I kick up a stink they may just toss my CV out rather than keep it "on record" for any future positions...

Or am I overthinking it now?

Anyway, just needed a good rant...

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TheBigJessie · 06/04/2013 15:25

I was asked in an interview how I would get to work. There was a bus stop outside the business. The one I'd used to get there.

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BlackeyedSusan · 06/04/2013 15:25

madness indeed.

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MagratOfStolat · 06/04/2013 15:25

It's sitting in a bleedin' office, that's what I don't get! It is not required for me to travel AT. ALL.

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WaitingForMe · 06/04/2013 15:26

Contact them. Nobody keeps CVs on record for future jobs.

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trinity0097 · 06/04/2013 15:28

Where I work keeps CVs, if a person we think may be suitable for a role has sent one in we email them to ask them to apply for the specific job if they want to.

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Jan49 · 06/04/2013 15:28

It sounds like the question must have been asked on the application form, otherwise they wouldn't know you couldn't drive, so maybe the fact that they asked implies it is a necessary part of the job?

If you hopscotched 3 miles to work I reckon you'd deserve the job. Grin

Sorry you're struggling to get a job though.Sad

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MagratOfStolat · 06/04/2013 15:28

I'll complain then. Bloody ridiculous.

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AThingInYourLife · 06/04/2013 15:30

Oh that is so annoying.

It's not really a catch-22 though.

You could learn to drive in case this is an irritating common feature of prospective employers in your field.

Do you have access to a car? Money for lessons? Someone who could teach you the basics in an industrial estate?

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ivykaty44 · 06/04/2013 15:30

sorry but if they keep your cv on file what use is that - they want someone to sit at a desk that is able to drive!

I would just very nicely say could they give you the reason that they didn't state int he application that you needed a driving licence and which part of the job do you need to be able to drive for as you are careful to read application carefully and must have missed a whole section - which is worrying you as it is possibly a reason you are not getting interviews.

So in effect making out you are making the mistake not them

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MagratOfStolat · 06/04/2013 15:33

AThing: Yes, no and yes, but I can't afford to put myself onto DP's insurance, and I'll be fucked sideways if I let him try and teach me how to drive again. He drives like a fucking maniac!

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MagratOfStolat · 06/04/2013 15:34

E-mail been sent asking why a driving license is necessary - will update if I get a reply.

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redskyatnight · 06/04/2013 15:35

How do they know you can't drive? You must have told them or they must have asked - which should have fired alarm bells that driving was a necessary skill.

I used to have an office job where I had to occasionally drive to training courses or to client sites (when I say occasionally I literally mean 3 or 4 times a year). These trips were to out of the way places and it would have been a real pain for the company to get me there if I'd not been able to drive. Totally see if you have lots of applicants (which I would imagine they will have) you'd pick someone who could drive over someone who couldn't if you had a choice.

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kim147 · 06/04/2013 15:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MagratOfStolat · 06/04/2013 15:36

Doesn't everyone ask if you hold a UK Driving license though? Every job I apply for has that question, and none of them say that driving is a necessity!

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MagratOfStolat · 06/04/2013 15:38

And Kim147: I feel your pain...

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VelvetSpoon · 06/04/2013 15:54

I don't drive - I've only missed out on one job because of not being able to drive because the guy hiring was a complete plank, in every other job my employers consider it MY responsibility to get myself to work, and to any other location I might have to attend for training etc.

I find the insistence on a driving licence for an office based, one location, job bizarre and potentially discriminatory to those who have a medical reason for not driving.

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ChippingInIsEggceptional · 06/04/2013 16:09

How bloody ridiculous.

It will be interesting to see what (if anything) they say Hmm

If they don't reply, I'd be very tempted to send them another email (after consulting the brains on the legal forum) suggesting you might get legal advice as you feel you are being unfairly discriminated against. It might make them think about their ridiculous attitude or
if by any chance there is a good reason for needing a licence - then perhaphs they should state that in their advert. Not everyone who has a licence has a car and not everyone who has a licence and a car wants to drive to/from/for work... so someone holding a licence really doesn't help/tell them much at all! Idiots.

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quesadilla · 06/04/2013 16:32

I think employers are spoiled for choice these days and some of them use ridiculous excuses to reject candidates. I would call them on it - politely - and ask them to explain why you need to be able drive.

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sapphirestar · 06/04/2013 16:44

Agree with quesadilla, so many people applying that if for whatever reason you're not 100% right for the job then someone else is.

That said, no driving licence is a bloody ridiculous reason and probably not the whole truth.

You have my sympathy, finding a job is so hard. I've been looking and seriously applying for over 3 months now. Back in Jan I thought, I'm pretty smart, good education, more life experience than straight out of school etc, I'll easily have a job by Easter. No such bloody luck!

Good luck in your search OP, hope you find something soon Smile

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