"cdb" wrote: > Yes yes , I know, whinging (Australian) ,moaning (- most other > countries), making critques and pertinent observations (- me!) about > job adverts. > > Here is one of the selection criteria for Queensland Health as a > Biomedical Technician. > > ' Able to demonstrate honesty, integrity and respect for all staff, > clients and other health care workers. ' > > Now what should I say? I once worked in a supermarket in an area that > took around GBP 21,000 a week in wines and spirits and I never felt > the urge to nick the money? I was responsible for 150K's worth of > stock and never thought about walking off with any of it? > > I once saw someone drop some money and I handed it back to them? > > Or for integrity - W H Smith (a newsagent group) once upset me - so I > vowed never to darken their doorstep for 4 years - and I didn't. > > Hmmm, what about stating my personal beliefs, now that'd get them > going. > > I'm a terribly nice person as I say so, though a certain UK surplus > outlet thinks I'm a terrorist - yup that'll get em the interview. Colin, I'm sure you would like another opinion from the dark side. ;) IMO, you need to read more between the lines. The way I see it, this "requrement" may have been intended to have three purposes: 1. Although you could argue that "honesty, integrity, and respect" is a given for any job, we all know that some people are lying thieves, and some shouldn't be working in jobs that put them in contact with other people. During a termination interview, the employer can point to this "job requirement" as a reason for firing an employee. 2. To serve as a deterrent. Often times, we use language in job ads that I think would encourage certain people to try their luck elsewhere. 3. Communicating the company's values to prospective employees, encouraging the right kind of people to apply. Disclaimer: I'm not suggesting that this particular piece is well written, I would certainly not write something that sounds so impersonal and condescending, for lack of a better word. However, I think the point is that you may want to approach such ads with an open mind, and try to see beyond the words. I certainly hope you would not pass up an opportunity just because some parts of the job ad are poorly written. Vitaliy -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist