SITUATIONS VACANT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26631, 29 November 1947, Page 9

SITUATIONS VACANT

Sir,—l notice that many of the advertisers in your ‘ Situations Vacant ’’ column expect intending applicants to apply to a box number, or some hom de plume such as “ Opportunity ” care of an advertising agency. This is particularly common in advertisements for office workers. I cannot understand why any reputable firm should hide its identity in this way. Most advertisers seek someone “ with initiative and ability above average," but what intelligent person wishes to deal with a firm which acts in such an underhand way? It is not pleasant tc know that one’s position and circumstances are open to inspection when one has no knowledge of the firm investigating. Sometimes, too, no acknowledgment of the application is given, leaving the applicant wondering who advertised

I am sure that advertisers who gave their name and address would receive a wider choice of suitable men and women, who could be assured by the firm's business standing that the application would be treated in confidence. —I am, etc. Secretary-Typist.

[The use of a nom de plume by advertisers is a very old and universal practice by firms which, amongst other reasons, may not wish to disclose to their competitors. or possibly to their own employees, that staff is being advertised for. Prospective applicants disapproving of this need not apply, and the advertisers are evidently proposed to accept the consequent loss of a wider-choice.—Ed. O.D.T.]