Very Weird Applicant

[Mikayla]

I guess if I were to apply at your company, you would think I was weird too.

I would also want to see if an HR person was available to speak with because I'd want to ask more than just about the production jobs.  I'd have some specific questions about the company, how often a position matching my skills actually comes available, etc.   I'd want to get a feel for the working environment and to see how people are treated when speaking to a company hiring representative.

I would also prefer to fill out the app at home so I could double check phone numbers, use my best handwriting, attach a fresh copy of my resume, etc.

If I was denied both these very normal requests (in my opinion), I would leave and not come back too.   The only concession I can see is that he should have made an appointment with HR as opposed to expecting someone to be available whenever he decided to stop by.

(As an aside, what is so special about your apps that they can't leave the building?  

My reaction was identical to yours, except that I wouldn't expect to drop in and get to meet with an HR rep.  If I had a sincere interest in the company (and wasn't just passing through), I'd either call ahead of time or ask about making a later appointment.  Otherwise, though, I agree with you. 

[Athos_000]

I would also prefer to fill out the app at home so I could double check phone numbers, use my best handwriting, attach a fresh copy of my resume, etc.

I have only applied at two places that required filling out the application in-house, the first was an assembly-line production type place so I think my question of "why" has been aswered by those that suggested they were checking for literacy.

I had been to lunch with my friend who worked there and she mentioned that they were hiring for office help so I asked the receptionist for an application. I was completely put off by it because I was not prepared to sit down and list phone numbers, etc. off the top of my head (so unfortunately I'm sure some of them were wrong, in retrospect I should have come back later to fill it out, I'll blame youth ).  I carried past job/reference contact info with my from then on so that I was prepared for the second time.

[MineralDiva]

It is strange that he wanted to make a copy of his resume too.  Uh...you don't have enough copies with you?  Or that he thought he could come around your desk and make them himself? 

I think your gut was right...and the flags waving too!

[HogwartsAlum]

Gleeps...last Friday my HR told me that she had put out a "feeler" ad because her file was old, and she just wants to see what's out there.  I hope this guy doesn't come back!

I did tell her about it.  She agreed that she didn't want someone who couldn't follow a basic instruction like please fill out the app in the office.