Rejected Job Application

[Chris1191817]

Hi,

I recently applied for a full time permanent job advertised with a recruitment agency based in southampton and after a few days I received an email saying...

Unfortunately as a specialist financial and human resources recruitment consultancy we can only act for candidates who are within our local area and available for a personal registration interview and, as such, are unable to assist you at this current time. Should you have firm plans to visit this location then please do not hesitate to contact us at that time to review your application.

Is this seriously legal!!!!

They haven't even asked if I am available to go to southampton for a registration and anyway if was successful in gaining an interview why couldn't I register with the agency when I'm in the area?!

......shocked!

[nemesis45]

Re: Rejected Job Application

Hi did you state in your application you were willing to travel to an interview?

nem

[Chris1191817]

Re: Rejected Job Application

Hi Nem,

Thanks for your reply.

No not specifically but I have replied to explain that I am willing to travel for an interview.

Can they insist that I have to visit Southampton and register for my application to even be considered?

Thanks.

Chris.

[nemesis45]

Re: Rejected Job Application

Yes I think they can, I seems that they require face to face contact it may be the agencies client requires this.

nem

[stevemLS]

Re: Rejected Job Application

I can't see anything unlawful about it, sorry.

[FlamingParrot]

Re: Rejected Job Application

I recently applied for a full time permanent job advertised with a recruitment agency based in southampton and after a few days I received an email saying...

Unfortunately as a specialist financial and human resources recruitment consultancy we can only act for candidates who are within our local area and available for a personal registration interview and, as such, are unable to assist you at this current time. Should you have firm plans to visit this location then please do not hesitate to contact us at that time to review your application.

Is this seriously legal!!!!

Yes, nothing illegal about that, some agencies make a point of meeting all candidates face to face. They do this because in this day and age, their role would become largely redundant, since it would be very easy for employers to advertise online and/or scour the job boards for suitable candidates who post their CVs and profiles. Arguing that they meet and interview all candidates is the best way for agencies to justify the fees they charge to their clients.

They haven't even asked if I am available to go to southampton for a registration and anyway if was successful in gaining an interview why couldn't I register with the agency when I'm in the area?!!

Yes, you could do that, I've done it in the past and so have others I know. However, some agencies insist in meeting candidates before putting CVs forward for the reasons noted above. If you don't live within commuting distance, they may also wonder whether you'd be willing to relocate to that area.

If they sent you that response after submitting an online application, it sounds like your CV probably has your full address on it. To avoid situations like this, you may consider leaving just your phone number(s) and email address on it.