You obviously don't know the definition of racism

In my line of work, you see a lot of repeat applicants.

Which I’ve said before.

Ha.

There are, in every tri-state area, a set of Joe Bloes and Jane Does who send their resume to every staffing agency in the tri-state area (because, let's face it, we've already discussed how people don't look at maps to determine if a commute is reasonable or sustainable). Plenty of these applicants we simply will never match to an employer for a variety of reasons (with the most common being because their work history is terrible), and therefore we end up rejecting many of the same people over and over again.

One woman recently applied with a background in housekeeping and PCA (personal care assistant) work. We don't staff PCAs or housekeepers, so we didn't have a match for her (I'm not going to argue the nuances of housekeeping versus custodians. Know they are not the same or cut from the same cloth and let’s move on). Her file was marked as available and looking for work, and everyone moved on with their lives. Until she called back a week later.

And the next week.

And then the next.

And then I was the lucky soul to receive her phone call.

I asked for her name so I could look up her file, and the conversation continued as such::

You're being racist (YBR): Why you asking my name? You're always asking my name when I call.

Me: Yes, so I can look up your file.

YBR: That's racist!

Me: No, it's information. If you're looking for work, I'd like to be familiar with your experience to see if we have a match for you.

YBR: That's not how you talk to people.

Me: I'm not sure what you mean. I'm just asking your name so I can look up your file. It looks like you've been looking for PCA or housekeeping positions, but we don't have those, so unfortunately we don't have a match.

YBR: You can't talk to people like that!

Me: Like what? I'm simply informing you that your experience does not align with our current openings unless you wish to be considered for an entry-level manufacturing position.

YBR: Why you think I'm entry-level? That's racist, too!

Me: Well, do you have any manufacturing experience?

YBR: No, but that doesn't mean I'm entry-level.

Me: Since our clients are requiring experience in a manufacturing environment, and you just admitted that you do not have any manufacturing experience, that would make you entry-level.

YBR: You're rude.

Me: I'm explaining why you would be considered entry-level. Unless you're interested in an entry-level manufacturing position, we don't have a match for you at this time.

YBR: Why you say the same thing every time I call? Me: Seeing as our positions haven't changed, and neither has your experience, there's nothing different to tell you.

YBR: You are so racist! And rude!

Me: I'm sorry you feel that way. Is there anything else I can help you with?

If needing to repeat your name for the person on the other end of the line or not being able to get a job you are not qualified for end up as 'racism' in your personal orbit, I won’t bother to extend any sympathy your way.

There is racism in the world. Lady, this ain’t it.