I just found the position that I was laid off from in 11/08 listed on a job board. I had gone back there less than 2 months ago to submit an application and spoke with the HR head regarding that I was still on UE. I called and spoke with the Dept Mgr this morning and requested to be interviewed for the position. He freaked out and could not get me off the phone quick enough. Asked if I could be reached at the number that was on his caller ID. I don't understand the problem about calling me back. I was on time and followed the rules, was voted employee of the month by my coworkers and it had to be approved thru mgment. I sat up the data base the shipping dept still uses. When I was laid off they kept the woman hired 2yrs after me and she had a problem with being out min of 3 days a month. She was a Close friend of the HR mgr. I really don't want to cause a stink but I also need a job. Any advise would be appreciated.

Are they wanting to hire someone without your experience, so they can pay less? Just wondering...

Many states are at will - which means they can let you go for any/no reason . Not always fair or right but that is the way it is .

In this day and age companies are looking to save money , were you wages high ? Would you be willing to take a pay cut ? Also depending on your age and health , health insurance premiums can be a consideration :?

I am also unemployed so I understand your frustration

Pay is listed at $12-15 hour DOE. What I would have been making after they "requested" employees take pay cuts to keep the doors open. A LOT more than UE. Would they not be required to ask if I would take the job at a lower wage? Also they know insurance is thru DH company.

Sorry, If you are in a right to work state they don't have to do anything! Do you still have friends there that can give you the 'gossip' that is going around the water cooler? It sounds like there is some reason that they don't want you around even with the employee of the month award.

Laws vary, but around where I live employers aren't required to do anything they don't want to. The only time it could be a problem is if you can prove discrimination and that would be difficult where you were an employee before.

I never hurts to write a good letter outlining your qualifications and reasons why you would be a good hire - list things like insurance not needed (even tho you say they know this), your requested salary range, willingness to work part time, if it applies to you, etc. Keep a copy of this letter and even ask for certified delivery, so if you need to come back later to talk with them you have a record of what you offered. Good luck.

Sorry but ....They technically do not have to do anything and are under no obligation as your former employer to hire you in any postion. The only incentive to the employer to hire you back in any postion, is that they would no longer have to pay the portion of the unemployment claim.

Does sound fishy! Maybe they have another relative to hire!!

That's what I was thinking. It may not be that they don't want you; it may be that they already know who they want to hire and are simply advertising the opening just to make it appear that it's an open field for hiring. It is legally necessary for government agencies to advertise openings, and also I think for companies that are working on government projects. In other words, there may be legal reasons for them to advertise a position as open after they have already decided to hire someone.

How many years did you have with the company previously? A couple of my previous companies liked to get rid of people just before they were fully vested in the pension scheme - anything to save money.

Sadly, most companies don't care how they treat their employees anymore.

As KTBB said above. write the letter but send it to the president or vice-president. Sometimes they don't realize what is going on in HR. State how it would save the company money as you have your own insurance, do not need to be trained and will be coming off UE. Good luck..

Sounds very strange to me but I am sure they have their reasons. Not fair but in the job market, hardly anything is these days. I think the letter sounds like a good idea. Sell yourself. Still may not do any good but it can't hurt either. I wish you the very best & hope it works out for you.

{{{{{Huge Hugs}}}}}

When I have filled out apps it says right on there that they are under no obligation to hire you or keep you.

Unless you were in the union, they won't have any requirement to hire you back. Just hope they are smart enough to return your call and rehire you.

Age could be a factor too. If who they hire is considerably younger they could pay them a lot less than someone with experience. They don't seem to realize that it probably cost more in the long run to train someone new.

I can only say one thing about this:

If at all possible, NEVER work somewhere that you are not wanted. You will be miserable and they will find an excuse to fire you as quickly as they can.

My guess is that the 'problem' is you organized their department and your former Dept Mgr felt threatened by your ability and popularity. Their may or may not be some nepotism with regard to the person hired after you and her friendship with HR manager. It's sad, but it happens all the time. This is not your failing, it is theirs.

Thank you to all who have offered their perspective: Some I had not even considered. I know I could count on you....I have decided that they know I am available and if they do not call me back it is their loss. I just feel kind of deflated not being able to earn my keep (I need to work on my pride issues). DH is a "commodities re-locator" (truck driver) & says that my going back to work would put us up in the middle class tax bracket and we would end up paying my most of my wages to the IRS.
I just need to be thankful. We have a small farm that is paid for. 2 Healthy sons and 2 healthy grandsons. Hubby has a good job. Several of the people I worked with there have had to file bankruptcy and have lost everything. Just doesn't seem right that the vice pres of company just moved into a new house in an exclusive gated community. I live in a gated community, but I have to open and close the gate:). Our trailer is in the middle of a pasture.
SO here's what I am going to do I am going to SEW!!!!! I have at least a 3 dozen purses and booty bags I need to get made before the fall festival at DGS school.
{{{{{Thank YOU and Hugs to all}}}}}

I'm so glad you have come to a good solution. Your life would be much better staying home and sewing.