Elected officials keep talking about the census jobs they need to fill. Question is, do they need more people to apply, or do they just need to process the applications they have?
MY APPLICATION EXPERIENCE
I applied for a census job. Here’s my post from facebook summarizing my experience.
If I hear one more person tell me how they need Census workers I may throw something at them. I applied, was “selected”, got fingerprinted, passed the background check and was supposed to be an “office supervisor” that was starting at the end of January. I was supposed to be called for training when they arranged it. I waited, I called, I waited, I called, I called, I called, I talked to humans who were going to get back to me but didn’t, I left messages, I waited, I called and I called again. Finally, yesterday one person got back to me and followed up with me today – he was actually helpful and after a month and a half of waiting they have no position for me. The only thing they have to offer me is a part-time clerk position on evening weekdays 5-9 plus one full day on the weekend. Um, no. I have other options to make money that are less disruptive to my life. Overall tho, that was just a shitty experience. It’s no wonder they are having issues filling their positions when all the other counties around us have their people hired.
I wasn’t really sure what to think, but I was guessing that someone didn’t want me hired. I learned, however, that the more likely explanation is just that this office doesn’t have their act together.
ELECTED OFFICIAL APPEALS
Mayor Rhodes Conway reported at the Common Council Executive Committee that all the other counties around us have their people hired, but Dane County does not.
Right now they are not in good shape with respect to that. They have 53.7% of the hires that they need. She passes around a map (not linked in legistar) and says we are surrounded by counties that have hired everybody they need, so that is problematic. They are trying to get the word out, its a great employment opportunity for a number of folks, it is very flexible in terms of number of hours per week, they are paying $22 an hour, it is paid training. It is March – July. 2020census.gov/jobs.
Senator Tammy Baldwin sent out an email today:
Dear Brenda,
It’s not too late to apply for a temporary part-time position with the 2020 Census!
Census results are used to determine your representation in Congress, and they help inform how billions of dollars are distributed for hospitals, schools, roads, and more.
Competitive Wages
Could you use extra income? Jobs for the 2020 Census offer competitive wages that are paid weekly. Authorized expenses, such as mileage, are reimbursed for employees doing field work.
Fit Your Schedule
Temporary positions for the 2020 Census feature flexible hours—a perfect fit if you are looking to earn extra money, even if you already have other commitments.
Be a Part of History
Every 10 years since 1790, the United States has undertaken the momentous task of counting its population. This is your chance to play a role.
Together, we can make sure every person in Wisconsin is counted in the 2020 Census.
Sincerely,
The Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin
I replied with the problems I had and I got an automatic reply, so I’m not sure if they will read my feedback.
OTHER PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCES
I changed my mind about thinking someone didn’t want to hire me. I’m not taking it personally after hearing all this. From my facebook page, people had the following things to say in response to my post within 24 hours:
- That sounds like me [sic] experience with them before
- Well farther than I got! I applied 12/26/2019 – was told I was accepted. No call, nothing since then 😔 and I’d jump at that clerical position as it’s exactly what I was looking for. Do you mind me asking the number you call to follow up?
- Same thing happened to my ex supervisor. She was given the run around for WEEKS and then finally told them to forget it.
- Well hired, but told it wouldn’t start until Apr-June .
- I applied, got a call, called back 15 mins later and they said it was full.
- I know of friends hired & quit soon after. They called it a “cluster fuck”. These were folks who have mucho experience canvassing for political races and know neighborhoods, how to split maps, how long a territory would take, etc.
good luck, I guess. - Same here. And I am bilingual. Whatever
- I was hired but we’ll see what happens next!
- I was hired for a previous census. They gave me a start date, then they forgot it. They gave me a new start date the following Monday, then put me in the wrong job (not the one I was hired for). They paid me the wrong wage, neither the one I was hired for, nor the wage for the job I was actually doing. They gave me a multi-week project that had, it turned out, had already been done.
- I applied online a few months ago, got an email asking if I was still interested about 5 weeks ago and then no follow-up. Maybe, I am on a “bad” list???!!
- I applied over a month ago and have yet to hear anything. I would be happy to do a clerk position for extra cash because that’s what I’m looking for, but just crickets! Wow. I thought it was just me.
- I applied in early January and I have gotten crickets as well. It’s like I see more advertising than actual hiring. 🙄
Interesting thing about this list of responses – they come from people of different races, socioeconomic, educational and varied experience backgrounds. There seems to be no pattern based on the people applying, it seems we all had similar experiences.
SO, WHAT’S GOING ON?
Inept?
Overwhelmed and under-resourced?
Other?
My facebook page had various theories . . .
I wonder if the Mayor’s comments “They have 53.7% of the hires that they need.” includes how many applications they have or how many are in “selected” status. I’m concerned that I and those above who were “hired” or “selected” give up due to lack of communication. Could that mean the numbers are worse than the Mayor reported?
Don’t get me wrong, the census is very important. We all want everyone to be counted for federal funding purposes and other reasons. But, these experiences make me wonder if we have a chance of making that happening.
I’m a bit worried. I assumed the powers that be had this handled.
And, I think those who are encouraging people to apply should know what is happening.
