Written by John Kruse, one of the leading experts on Bailiff Law, this consumer friendly guide is essential reading for anyone who comes into contact with a bailiff.
The book is easy to understand and clearly explains the rights
a bailiff has, and also what they cannot do when collecting debts and repossessing goods etc.
I have recently been for a job interview, unfortunately I was unsuccessful and I am now finding it difficult to find out why. I understand that I have rights under the Data Protection Act to see information written about me. Would this information be covered by the act, and if so what sections? I have spent hours trawling through the act but cannot find anything relevant.
As far as I am aware, you can send an SAR to the company and they are obliged as data controllers to provide you with any personal information provided by you and held by them in respect of your application. I do not believe that this would get you very far though as it would probably be limited to your application form, CV, letter of application and if applicable the results of aptitude tests or other written information provided by you in connection with the application. It would not neccessarily entitle you to, for example, notes made by the interviewer during your interview, as these are not your personal data, unless of course you were to instigate proceedings for discimination in which case they could, if such notes exist be required as evidence.
I am assuming that there is nothing quite so sinister in your desire to learn of the reasons for not being successful other than to improve your chances of getting the next job you apply for? If so, then have you written to the company concerned and asked for pointers? I have often given feedback, either voluntarily or on request to unsuccessful applicants believing that if they were worth interviewing then they deserve to know why others were offered the position.
Just don't believe that if personal data exists about you; you are entitled to see a copy. The DPA only applies if the data is held in a relevant filing system.
So if you data is held in a filing cabinet under the name harleypupuk, you will be entitled to see it all - including any interviewer's notes that are filed there.
If they are just put into a file or drawer labelled failed candidates, then you would be entitled to nothing under the DPA.
Just a thought but when I was involved in recruitment & selection procedures within a Social Services setting we always offered feedback to unsuccessful candidates. This enabled people to improve their interview technique or identify areas of knowledge that needed expanding upon. It was obviously optional but many found it a very positive experience.
As Sidewinder says it may be worth contacting the interviewer/s and asking if you could have an informal feedback meeting.
I doubt if this company would have the time or the inclination to give you any feedback. They may also not want to from a fear that you may take them to an industrial tribuneral if you feel that the successful candidate was less qualified than yourself
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