Staples

Employers have creative ways to deny a candidate a job. But this one is a first.

I showed up at Staples Inc. for an interview. Aced the HAY test and met with Tom W. (can't remember his last name) for interview. I expressed interests in the job. He showed me around the facility, describing the process and responsibilities in detail. It went well, as far as I could tell. Then I waited by the entrance while Tom went to HR office supposedly to let Rosa Juarez know I was ready. She was to begin the process for drug test, so he said. But he came out, said that Rosa was "busy", and then said that she would call later that day or the following morning. She never called. I called her office three times throughout the day. She never answered the phone. I called Veronica Walls (because she had set up the interview for me). Veronica didn't sound welcoming of my call. I explained that I was expecting a call from Rosa. Veronica echoed the "too busy" point and said that they would talk with Tom for details.

(N.B. I didn't realize that this might have been Tom or HR's way of saying I wasn't the person for the job. HR don't suddenly become "too busy" after taking the time to call and set up interview.)

Two weeks later, I contacted Veronica by e-mail. (Didn't call her because she would be either "too busy" or unwelcoming.) I expressed that she and Rosa are the worst HR people I've ever met, and that they should be forthright if they weren't going to extend an offer instead of yanking me around. Veronica then replied as follows:

"Due to the vacation times and the holiday week our decision on finalizing the candidate pool was completed this morning.

We want to thank you for your interest in pursuing a part-time Production Associate opportunity with Staples Inc.

Although we were impressed with your accomplishments, we are pursuing other candidates whose work experiences, skills and attributes more closely match our needs.

Again, thank you for considering employment with Staples, Inc. and we do wish you the best for a successful career search."

How much "work experiences, skills and attributes" do you need to be a warehouse picker? Is this an executive position? Management? Engineering? The 'cliche' rejection letter is more relevant for those kinds of jobs. But what kind of skills do you need to pick items, put in a box, pack the box and place it on the conveyor?!

Save for the HAY test, the rest of the interview was deceitful. They (Tom, Veronica and Rosa) don't have the nerve to tell me they don't want me for the job. Tom yanked my chain claiming Rosa would get me started on drug test (insinuating job offer) and then told me she was "too busy". Rosa yanked my chain by refusing to answer the phone. Veronica yanked my chain by repeating the "too busy" lie even though she wasn't busy enough to call me. They all lied to me. They can also lie to you.

They didn't even take the Staples application form I had filled out. What a rip-off!

Unless you don't mind getting playing, don't apply for a job at Staples Inc. (aka Quills). Note the address (201 Northpoint Dr, Coppell, TX). After you confirm their location, hang up. If you decide to go for the interview, remember: when the interviewer says "too busy", it means you're not getting the job. Tom wears a baseball cap, has a beard and fit physique. Veronica Walls' office no. is [protected], her cell is [protected]. Rosa's no. is [protected] (forget calling her, she doesn't answer the phone).