Why I Will Not Apply To This Position: Reading Between The Lines In A Job Posting
Thanks, but no thanks.
The company is offering CAD 20 per hour for this part-time position.
Want to know why I will not apply?
The company is looking for an individual to exploit.
The position is part-time. This means the company does not need to provide benefits for the hired employee.
It’s a legal loophole many companies use.
Sometimes, a company will hire many part-time workers because they can get full-time work without paying that much.
A roster of many part-time workers allows a company to have many workers in case one calls off or quits.
The words I underlined in the job ad led me to write this post. I’d like to share my analysis about what the company was seeking, and why I won’t apply.
To be considered for an interview, I would need to write a targeted resume and cover letter describing the following skills and providing examples of:
administration experience
organizational skills
interpersonal skills
teamwork skills
The writer of this job ad was very sneaky: the company is also seeking a graphic designer, as depicted by the mention of a very specific platform: Canva.
Many people use Canva to create images; some are casual users, and others are professional graphic designers.
An entry-level graphic designer can earn $25 - 50 per hour.
The company is describing a task using Canva to create content, which means they are looking for someone with intermediate-level Canva skills and experience.
An intermediate-level graphic designer earns CAD 50 - 75 per hour.
Additionally, the company is seeking content creation that will do some marketing.
An entry-level marketing position in Toronto begins at $20 per hour.
Now, stack that on top of the experienced receptionist. In Toronto, an experienced receptionist with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to multitask will command at least $30 per hour.
A part-time receptionist working in Toronto gets much less money. According to Indeed, they are earning $14 per hour.
Currently, the minimum wage in Ontario, Canada, is $17.20 per hour. Minimum wage for student workers is lower.
I know times are hard.
But there is no excuse for any company asking for so many specialized skills within a single individual without paying for the desired expertise, or providing zero benefits because they are only part-time, can be described using one word:
Exploitation.
Part-time work can lead to full-time positions. However, that is a gamble.
I am not a gambler.
I agree with this article!