Chain Retail Application Structure

[baronzb]

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I'm going to start mass applying to the big chains in the states I am licensed in. Obviously, a big city would be nice; however, I am willing to move rural.

My concern is, if I submit to cities or other districts that are more competitive, then apply to less competitive districts will HR or DMs see this and then discriminate against my application? Should I just go rural to begin with to avoid a problem? Additionally, can hiring managers see if someone has applied to multiple states concurrently? I know this is the case at Omnicare.

What can I do to increase chances. I'd like to cast a wide net intra and inter-state.

 

[SnickerDoodlez]

I've never heard of any DM searching up where else one has applied..

 

[MindGeek]

can hiring managers see if someone has applied to multiple states concurrently

Target Hiring Manager was able to see every single Target Graduate Internship Position I applied for when I was 'fishing' for Grad. Internships in my APPE year. [No one bit so I just finished my MBA as planned]

When I was applying for a F/T Pharmacist position in NY they brought it up and were like "are you sure you don't want to move to NC+VA or MD+DC+VA or NC+SC or NY+VT or NJ/PA? Why did you apply to them then?"

The CVS acquisition finalized before I could interview in person so I didn't get the job since Target Pharmacy went into a hiring freeze because CVS was going to handle all the new hiring.

 

[baronzb]

I've never heard of any DM searching up where else one has applied..

Sounds like Target tracks apps by applicant, regardless of geographic location. Any other companies? There seems to be discrimination against applying to multiple positions or across states.

I don't believe Kroger does, but I know Omnicare does.

 

[baronzb]

This is an important topic, particularly for the new grads. Any info out there?

 

[Wickett]

This is an important topic, particularly for the new grads. Any info out there?

I know a few stories of people in my recent class pissing off companies because they accepted an offer in one district in the fall, then actively applied/interviewed with a nearby, more desirable district in the same company later on in P4 year. The key here is that they already accepted a position then thought the DM wouldn't be pissed that they are talking to nearby DMs about getting work without coming to them about it. Don't do that.

It is possible a hiring manager may be put off if they see you applied in a wide net all over within the company, but as long as you haven't already accepted/been offered a specific position by anyone, you are doing nothing wrong. You are simply being really active about starting your career. If this is asked in an interview, tell them you cast a wide net because you really like their company and want the best chance to get an offer from them and hopefully start a long term career with that company. You like x, y and z about how they run their company and you want to do a, b, and c to improve upon wherever you go.

You can also tell them that their specific location is a top pick of yours, and assure them you would accept a fair offer from them if they were to give it to you. You shouldn't feel afraid to be aggressive in your initial job hunt. Just be aware of what you are doing and be prepared to frame it in a way that casts a positive light on yourself if questioned on it.

 

[baronzb]

Thank you for the advice, but some of us are in multiple state licenses. I can't believe only the target and cvs knowledge of this point is known. Anyone out there?