Job applications and interviews are the definition of time consuming and tedious. You can never just send in your resume. You have to send in a resume, a cover letter, a list of references, and examples of your work. Some applications go even further than that. They ask you to go to their personal application platform and create a user name and password. Then, the application goes on to ask you basic information such as your address and email address. After that, it gets pretty in depth. You’ll be asked scenario questions as if you’re already working at the company you are applying to. You will be asked to take a test to determine your work style. You could even be asked to write an entire essay. If you have the patience and are lucky enough to move on to the next phase of the process, you’ll be asked for an interview.
When I say interview, I mean multiple interviews. First, you will have a phone or Skype interview. Next, you will have an in person interview. And then, you will have another in person interview with someone completely different. The entire time you are going through this process, you wonder what more could they possible need to know and why didn’t the interviewers interrogate you together?
You finally make it to the end of the hiring process and you think you’ve got the job. They wouldn’t have asked you to come back so many times if they didn’t like you. They wouldn’t have seemed interested in your skills, if they didn’t think you were a good fit. Right? Wrong. You end up not getting the job and you are filled with emotions. You’re angry because you wasted so much time. You’re disappointed because you really wanted that job. And you’re incredibly sad because not getting the job makes you feel like you were not good enough. Your whirlwind of emotions should be compensated for. Here are five reasons why employers should pay you during the hiring process.
1. Wasted Time
A huge chunk of your life was just ripped away and tossed in trash. You will never get the time back you wasted during the hiring process. Just like with their employees, employers should pay job seekers for even giving their business the time of day.
2. Used Your Brain
Like any other job, you worked really hard and made it a point to do your research. You don’t stress out your brain on a regular basis. But you did for this job. You made that company a priority and they should make it a priority to repay you for your commitment.
3. Generated Ideas
While answering all of their questions, you gave them great ideas for their next marketing campaign or growth plan. Or the project you had to complete, in order to show your skills, illustrated a way to tackle a problem they had. Ideas are not cheap and you are not Google. Your innovative idea should be reimbursed.
4. You Advertised
You were so excited about your interview that you tweeted and snap chatted about it. You told your mom, your grandma, your friends, and anyone else who would listen because you were so proud of your self for even getting a preliminary interview. Their company is now known by more people than before. I’m pretty sure you don’t remember signing up to be their spokesperson.
5. You Are Emotional Distressed
This may not be the first job you’ve been rejected for, so you are definitely scarred for life. After crying a river and breaking dishes, you might have to go to a therapist. The company responsible for your emotion turmoil should absolutely pay the bill.
We can not let companies get away with not paying us for our time, thoughts, and mental breakdowns. What other reasons do you believe employers should pay us during the hiring process?