Pre-screening test failed at Recruitment Agency ???

I've recently had an opportunity to work for the local constabulary through an agency. At the last moment, I'm told that I've failed some "pre-screening" test (which is nothing to do with security check, I'm told) & am asked to contact their head office about it by paying 拢10 towards it.

I'd worked for this agency, through through different branch in different city, in January this year & had rather bitter experience working with them.

However, my local branch for the same agency is rather helpful but at the last moment couldn't get a job that I so adored due to this "pre-screening" thing. Does anyone around know anything about this "pre-screening", as what exacly is it ???

Many large employers use recruitment agencies to go through cvs or application forms. They will sift out any with obvious problems such as failure to possess necessary qualifications. They might also "short-list". They could posibly also reject on information about the candidate including knowledge of their previous work. Your previous work for the agency could come in here.

I think it is disgusting that the agency should seek to charge you for an explanation as to why you have been rejected, particularly as they will be getting a fat fee from the police. I was taught when I did a degree in occupational psychology that the candidate has a right to an explanation, not least to demonstrate that hey have followed equal opportunities. Candidates put a lot of work into their applications and deserve a courteous reply.

Clearly you are not going to get anywhere with this agency.

I suggest that in the first instance you write to the Chief Constable, asking him or her to reply explaining why your application has not been taken further. You could say that you feel that their use of an agency that treats applicants so badly (i.e. seeks to charge them fees for information) is contrary to the interests of the Force as it damages their image. As the Police these days are concerned to be inclusive you could point out that charging for information discriminates against poorer applicants and therefore may indirectly viiolate equal opportunities.

If you do not get satisfaction, remember that the Police Force is a public body answerable to a Police Authority. This includes local councillors. You could therefore approach your local councillor (get the name from the library, or your council's website) to find out why you were rejected. If you live in an areas with separate district and county councillors, it is the county councillor you want. If necessary ask the councillor to refer the matter to the Police Authority. If I were the agency, I would jump if a councillor rang up, but whether they are sensible enough to realise this is another matter. It is also quite legitimate for you to express to your councillor in general terms your opinions about the recruitment practices of your local Police Force and their agents. - in the last resort the general policy is a matter for political debate.

If you contact the Chief Constable or your councillor, you need to mention your past connection with the agenciy because you should not conceal an interest. However, you should be very careful not to make any accusations about the agency. Let the Police, as the agency's client, find out for itself if the agency has been treating applicants unfairly.

As a personal opinion, I cannot see why the Police should use an agency. They are large enough to run their own recruitment operation, which I would expect to be cheaper. There are also security reasons why I would have thought it better for the Police to do their own recruiting.

If your ambition is to join the Police, you could try applying to another Force.

Finally, I am sorry to say that in general there is little that job applicants can do about a rejection. Even if you were to force your way in you would start your job under a cloud, which would be hopeless. I fear the answer is generally to look around for another way forward in your life.

Good luck with your career.

Move on. Why would you want to join the police anyway. If you want to beat up innocents for no reason try working the door at a nightclub in Romford. The fact that you're complaining about it now indicates to me that you are not responsible enough anyway.

Mr Fred has given you the best answer you can get, but what I would add is that you don't pay for a job, or for applying for a job. That is generally unacceptable behaviour.

You should tell the Agency in question that you are not paying for the priviledge of them being unsuccessful in you getting hired. If you do get hired, they get paid from the client.

I echo the sentiments of move on and find another agency; Some agencies could not organise a pi55-up in a brewery. It is unfortunate that lots of people think they can be redruitment agencies, and fail big time, and even worse that you are caught in the middle as a result of their incompetence.

There are lots of jobs out there, so don't feel down. Pick yourself up and try again.

Unless you've signed a contract with them stating that you will pay for search-related expenses go tell them to stuff their request for the 10 pounds.

Pre-screen (here in the US) can check for: residency, immigration status, accurancy of former employment reporting, credit record and rating, legal issues (existing and/or ongoing civil and criminal), etc. Basically the company can check just about everything having to do w/ your documented past (except medical records).