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Author Topic: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento  (Read 922 times)

KG5RJS

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Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« on: October 06, 2022, 01:00:09 AM »

Dear ham radio community,

I am an avid ham. I am a ham of color. I love ham radio and love Ham Radio Outlet.

I have an extensive proven sales background, and retail store management experience (5-years, Radio Shack).

Over the past year I have shown up at HRO Sacramento and dropped off resumes and spoken with the manager. He said they would keep my information on file and contact me if they have any openings available.

At the time I was responding to a help-wanted listing on HRO Sacramento webpage. I also submitted my application on the HRO website as instructed. I have never heard anything back from HRO Sacramento or corporate HRO.

Today, I decided to change my approach. I put on my best business suit, resume in hand, and decided to try and speak to the manager again and show him that I would be amazing at this job. I don’t care what you pay, I don’t care how many hours you promise. I really just want to work at Ham Radio Outlet.

I arrived and saw a “help wanted” sign on the door, part time sales associates.

GREAT!

I walked in and asked the manager if he remembered me from before. He said he did not. I explained a bit of my background and my accomplishments in retail sales, corporate sales for a very well known computer company (~20 years) as well as my passion for ham radio.

Every accomplishment I pointed out was rebuffed almost immediately.

"I was number one in sales in the business sales department for a huge multinational technology company year-after-year."

"Thats not retail"

Pointed out Radio Shack Store Manager background...

He didn't acknowledge that.

This was about the time he started looking out the window and never looked at me again.

He said if I had already submitted my information, they’d contact me if they need people.

I pointed out the “help wanted” sign on the door.

He pushed my resume back to me, and told me that doesn’t really mean anything.

For the remainder of the conversation, he made no eye contact.

I asked him if there was anything else I can do. He said no. I left.

On the drive home it hit me what had just happened. I came back, approached him near the back room and asked him “When a person of color walks through the door asking about a job, and you try NOT to acknowledge that there is a help wanted sign on the door, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO THINK?

I then advised him that this is not OK, and it can not continue. I will not let this go.

I cried on the drive home.

Racism hurts deeply. It’s like a serrated knife pushed slowly and deeply in your back. When the racist won’t even look you in the eye while discriminating against you, it feels like they’re twisting the knife.

Ham radio is not about racism. It’s the complete opposite. Ham radio enables people from all over the world to communicate and exchange ideas and promotes friendship.

I ask the ham radio community – how should I proceed?


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N1IG

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #1 on: October 06, 2022, 05:19:10 AM »

"I ask the ham radio community – how should I proceed?"

When people show you who they are, believe them.

But don't assume that it is based on 'race'.  It could be anything.

I wouldn't want to work for anyone who treats other people that way.  Nor will I do any business with people like that any more.

I'd count myself lucky for dodging a bullet and not having to work for such a jerk.
« Last Edit: October 06, 2022, 05:31:42 AM by N1IG »
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W9IQ

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #2 on: October 06, 2022, 05:44:18 AM »

Shane,

I am sorry to hear of your experience. Such experiences can be very troubling and unsettling. I fear that this is not the right forum or format for this topic but allow me to make a few comments and suggestions with the hope that they aren't condescending or presumptive.

Could it be racism? Absolutely. I don't want to sound dismissive of that possibility. But there are many other equal possibilities as to why you were not further interviewed. Don't fall into the "I'm the ideal candidate. I should have been hired." trap. Instead look for every opportunity improve your odds next time you apply for a job.

One of my first corporate managers (ironically from Tandy Co.) would cancel any in-person interview if the candidate showed up with shoes that were not expertly polished. He wouldn't tell the candidate why - the interview was simply over. Was that rational? Perhaps not but it was one of his filters and he was very successful in his job. I am sure many of those rejected interviewees walked away with all sorts of notions as to why the interview was canceled.

In the course of my career, I have read through thousands of resumes/CVs and hired hundreds of people around the world. One of my reject filters is poor spelling or grammar on a resume. I may have passed on hiring some great people but I felt strongly that this is a document where they are selling themselves so it should be some of their best work.  I am sure many of those people that were never interviewed imagined all sorts of reasons as to why they didn't "hear back" from us.

I am a strong believer in a resume that is tailored to the specific job for which you are applying. It should direct the reader to conclude that you are worth interviewing because you are a good fit for this specific job - the hiring manager shouldn't need to apply inference. The cover letter should compel the reader to want to read your resume. In this particular case, I wouldn't lead with the fact that you are a ham - it should be nearly an incidental mention. Too many hams don't qualify for the job.

Don't burn bridges by being confrontational. You may feel better but it will rarely improve your odds. It generally ensures that you will not be hired for this position or any other. If you are not hired, do not go back to ask them why. Our society is too litigious to allow any such meaningful conversations and most managers are too busy with their real job to spend time on such a request.

I applaud that you dressed up for the interview. It shows that you are serious and that you are respectful. But it can also work against you, particularly if the environment doesn't support that type of dress. In this case, I might have opted for some ham radio themed sport shirt such as one from ARRL or ICOM and then pair that with dress pants and shoes. This might subtly signal that you have the right background and interests without over-projecting or dominating.

I wish you well in finding a job that you can enjoy and in which you can make a meaningful impact. It sounds like you have a background that would be welcomed in many companies. The current shortage of people willing to work should be to your favor. If I can be of any assistance, feel free to contact me at my call at arrl dot net.

- Glenn W9IQ
« Last Edit: October 06, 2022, 05:54:07 AM by W9IQ »
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- Glenn W9IQ

God runs electromagnetics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by the wave theory and the devil runs it on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by the Quantum theory.

WW5F

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #3 on: October 06, 2022, 06:04:48 AM »

Shane,  I lived in Rocklin for a while and experienced a wrath similar to what you described back in the late 1990s.  I moved to Roseville.  And guess what?  After another similar experience of someone there "following the letter of the law of California," I LEFT California.  And as a side note, the California Department of Revenue chased after me for 4 more years after I'd moved OUT OF CALIFORNIA.

How should you proceed?  GET OUT OF CALIFORNIA!  It's gotten worse there over the past few decades.  How do I know?  I have a sister and brother-in-law still living in California.  They were recently chased out of the bay area.  They love the national parks there so much, they'll do anything and tolerate anything to stay in California.  They are now experiencing "the letter of the law" a little north of Santa Cruz (<---another "utopian" area of California!)

They still haven't put up walls to prevent people from escaping from California yet.  But it's only a matter of time before they put up physical barriers and check points on major highways and say it's to prevent people they disagree with from entering the utopia of California.

Get out now while you still can.

I'm seeing a LOT of California plates in my neck of the woods here in east Texas these days.
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K1VSK

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #4 on: October 06, 2022, 06:50:33 AM »

For various reasons, I am familiar with the staff at three HRO stores, Atlanta, Salem and Milwaukee. All have ethnic and/or racial minority employees. It’s a good assumption others do as well. Based on that alone, discrimination  is clearly not a systemic issue with HRO.

While no one here can judge why you weren’t hired, assuming it is based on nefarious reasons given their diversity of staff seems like a dubious claim.

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AC2EU

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #5 on: October 06, 2022, 07:14:32 AM »

Perhaps you came off as too aggressive and confrontational. That may have made the interviewer feel that you would be difficult to work with.
Especially with the "hire me -or else attitude"!

KA2DDX

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #6 on: October 06, 2022, 07:33:45 AM »

Shane,
You ask how should you proceed?

Forget working in this store. Move on from this ambition of yours to something else. You'll always wonder how great of a job you would have done there in that store.

Please get past this experience for your own mental health. Offer what you have in life to other venues.

Good luck to you,
Larry KA2DDX
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KA4DPO

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #7 on: October 06, 2022, 09:04:14 AM »

For various reasons, I am familiar with the staff at three HRO stores, Atlanta, Salem and Milwaukee. All have ethnic and/or racial minority employees. It’s a good assumption others do as well. Based on that alone, discrimination  is clearly not a systemic issue with HRO.

While no one here can judge why you weren’t hired, assuming it is based on nefarious reasons given their diversity of staff seems like a dubious claim.

I have to agree with you on this one.  I have done business with HRO in several cities for years, and they have a reasonably diverse staff.   I saw your picture on QRZ, you don't appear to be a person of color.

Why not say what you really think, I think I may have some idea.  Anyway, all managers have discression when it comes to hiring, perhaps your personality didn't match what they had in mind. I seriously doubt that your not being selected was racially motivated, I think it was personality.  There are other jobs.
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K7JQ

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #8 on: October 06, 2022, 09:17:20 AM »

Shane,

While I genuinely have empathy for your experience at HRO, I'd be careful what you post on social media. While your *assumption* of racism might be valid, it's just that...an assumption. Without some kind of proof of that reason for them not hiring you, in this litigious environment that accusation  could possibly open yourself up to a libel defamation lawsuit. Businesses don't need unfounded claims that could hurt their business. I'm sure you don't need that aggravation in addition.

Like others have suggested, I'd advise you to just move on, don't air your feelings in writing without proof, and seek employment elsewhere.
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K7STU

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #9 on: October 06, 2022, 09:26:17 AM »

REALLY! Boo hoo. Pull up your bootstraps dust yourself off and get back on the horse. And stop using the "race" card. Stop being so aggressive and learn how to accept NO or rejection. I don't care what color you are I wouldn't hire you just because of your attitude. Best of luck. 
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KV1P

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #10 on: October 06, 2022, 10:42:26 AM »

Shane I just look at your QRZ photo and you must be Middle Eastern so you are a person of color.  Do not let the Holier Than Thou crowd turn you off; when one door closes other will open up for you! Keep the faith in yourself and things will work out.  Take Care 73
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KC0W

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #11 on: October 06, 2022, 11:09:29 AM »

 This story is a cut 'n paste from yesterday on QRZ. The thread lasted only an hour or so until QRZ deleted it. Perhaps it was deleted because of the strong allegations against a company who is not here to defend itself. Perhaps it was deleted because at one time HRO might have been an advertiser on QRZ. (they currently are not)

 CNN loves story's where people have been allegedly slighted. I wouldn't know for sure though because I haven't watched the crap they spew in 15 years.

   

 
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KV1P

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #12 on: October 06, 2022, 12:25:28 PM »

TO KC0W HRO are stiill have advertisment on QRZ do your research before preaching!!!
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KC0W

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #13 on: October 06, 2022, 02:48:25 PM »

TO KC0W HRO are stiill have advertisment on QRZ do your research before preaching!!!

 Yes, you are correct. I was looking at the large rectangle boxes of their current advertisers & not the small square ones on the left hand side of the page where HRO is represented. 

             HERE....... https://www.qrz.com/advertisers

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WA3SKN

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Re: Ham Radio Outlet Sacramento
« Reply #14 on: October 23, 2022, 09:53:23 AM »


Ham Radio Outlet Corporate Office
Ham Radio Outlet
110 Tampico, Suite 110
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
National Sales Manager
800-444-4799

-Mike.
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