Driving?

[nowpc2]

What is the name of your state? Wisconsin

I recently applied for a job titled "On-line Sales Specialist". I had my first interview about two weeks ago and a second last week.

Two days after the second interview I recieved an e-mail from the interviewer asking me to complete the sectino of the job application titled "If you are appling for a job which requires driving".

At this point I informed them that I was visually impaired and unable to drive.

I was told it was required for the job. I had not been told this in either of the interviews and it was not part of the job description posted online.

Is there any action I should take with this?

 

[HomeGuru]

Yes, move on and apply for other jobs.

 

[Beth3]

1. There are no laws which require an employer to put every required skill in their job advertisement. (Inasmuch as in many areas of the country, being able to drive is a "given," chances are they didn't even think to include it.)

2. It seems pretty clear the employer had no idea you were visually impaired until you informed them - and that was after they'd asked you to complete the section about driving, so it's virtually impossible for them to have discriminated against you because of your disabilty.

3. The only remaining question is whether the employer violated the ADA by not at least discussing possible reasonable accommodations. (This assumes this company employs at least 15 individuals and is subject to the ADA.) The ADA does not require employers to change the essential duties of a job to accommodate someone. But it does require an "interactive exchange" to determine whether any reasonable accommodations are necessary. So it appears there was a violation of the law.

 

[nowpc2]

One thing to note is that my visual impairment is very noticable.

I really do not think there is any way they could not tell that I had a visual impairment.

For the travel requirements of the job they listed "Negligible".

 

[Beth3]

Okay but then why would they have you back for a second interview if they were going to discriminate against you because of your vision problem? Much easier to have said "thanks but no thanks" after the first interview.

 

[nowpc2]

Very good question! I was interviewed by two different people and I think that they both have a different idea as to the job requirements.

I did propose to them the fact that I felt the job could be done without driving to clients as it is selling online services and I have been doing this type of work for years without having to go to clients offices everyday. To this I go t only a reply of "It requires driving.."

Okay but then why would they have you back for a second interview if they were going to discriminate against you because of your vision problem? Much easier to have said "thanks but no thanks" after the first interview.

 

[Beth3]

Having sales reps able to provide a personal touch and visit client sites can be a significant sales advantage. Companies like to know who they're doing business with. It's quite possible this prospective employer legitimately has this requirement while your former employer didn't feel the need. And as you know, it's not like Wisconsin has a great public transportation system. Even if you're in the Milwaukee area, getting to client sites without a vehicle could be impossible in many instances.

 

[nowpc2]

I would find that sort of thinking to be unfair to those with visual impariments.

By using that viewpoint it would virtually lock out many talented people who are unable to drive.

I have seen the driving requirement limit way to many people who could do the jobs in other ways.

I do thank you Beth3 for you help and insite even though I somewhat disagree.

Having sales reps able to provide a personal touch and visit client sites can be a significant sales advantage. Companies like to know who they're doing business with. It's quite possible this prospective employer legitimately has this requirement while your former employer didn't feel the need. And as you know, it's not like Wisconsin has a great public transportation system. Even if you're in the Milwaukee area, getting to client sites without a vehicle could be impossible in many instances.