I'm willing to do it now

Having well internalized that 99 percent of our applicants don't read the job description or overview of requirements before applying, I diligently go over the hiring requirements with applicants at some point in the process. Understanding the requirements is particularly crucial for Company A, as it has the most complex hiring process of all of my clients. The complexity lends itself to a lengthy hiring process, which currently stands at an average 25 days from initial interview to start date.

Sidenote: In an effort to head of some of the confusion as to why it takes so long to start a position at this company (as, probably reasonably, most of the applicants are pretty anxious to start collecting a paycheck), I listed all of the requirements in obnoxious detail in a recent job posting. The hope was to deter those who were not serious about this particular position. Alas, I dream big, and my dream is shattered while also re-upping the understanding that no one reads job descriptions.

Example: Applicant X made it through the initial application, cleared our screening process, hurdled an interview with the on-site supervisor, but came to a screeching halt as I went through all of the remaining requirements to get to the aforementioned paycheck.  Being entirely uninterested (and completely shocked) at the lengthy hiring process, he rejected the job and disappeared from our radar.

Applicant X (we'll refer to him as AX) called back about two months later. Lucky me, I answered that call.

AX: Are you still hiring for Job B?

Me: Yes, they are still looking to fill several positions.

AX: Would I still be eligible for that position?

Me: Why? You rejected the job two months ago because you weren't interested in going through all the steps of the hiring process.

AX: Well, I haven't been able to find work since then, so I guess I'm willing to do it now.

Me: Ah. Well, unfortunately for you, the supervisor was already told that you rejected the position because you didn't want to undergo the hiring process for that job. We won't be able to send you back over for consideration.

AX: Why not? You can just tell them I'm interested now.

Me: I could very well do that, but I will tell you exactly what will happen. You weren't interested in completing the hiring process the first time, so they won't see you as a dedicated worker. Further, you had a job in the bag two months ago but haven’t been able to find work since, which means there's something stopping you from obtaining stable employment. The supervisor will realize this, understand what it means, and assume this call is your last-ditch effort to secure a job. Rest assured, they are not interested in hiring a last-ditch effort.

AX: Could you just ask them?

Me: Sure. I'll let you know.

So as not to make a liar out of myself—and to have the supervisor's rejection in writing–I shoot an email off to the supervisor asking if they would be interested in someone who rejected the job two months ago because they weren't interested in going through the steps of the hiring process.  

The supervisor's response? NO!

Shocker.