I went to this store in March looking for employment. I filled out their time consuming application and recieved a call for an interview the following week. I arrived on time and gave an outstounding interview if I do say so myself.
At the begining of my interview, I informed the co-manager that I had just learned I was expecting. I had not told Anyone, including my family, at this point. I have had two past pregnancies that ended with the loss of my children, so I informed the store upfront because obviously I am high risk. I told the lady, Mrs. Frye, that I was really needing this job, but want her to be aware of my pregnancy simply because I would have to have a cashier position (which there were two openings for). I asked if this would effect their decision of hiring me and was told that it would Not. I was then told that I would be hearing from them within a week.
Two weeks past and I still had not received the callback I was told to expect. I did however receive a call from my mother in law. She told me that while shopping at this Wal-Mart, an associate (whom I have yet to even see) came up to her and asked her when my baby was due! Due to the small town in which we live, my husband and I frequented the store on an almost daily basis.
We were shopping in this store a few days later and a different associate came up to my husband and I, congratulating us on the baby! I asked her who told her and she stated that she overheard several employees, including the lady who told my mother in law, talking about me in the lunchroom a few days prior! I immediately went to the service desk and asked that a store manager come to the front, I was told neither were available.
When I arrived home, I called the store and asked to speak with one of them. Mr. Reynolds' then answered and I confronted him about what had happened beginning from the interview process. He gave a half hearted apology and told me he would ask Mrs. Frye about it. Another week past and I had not heard from the store.
I then decided to call the corporate office. I was connected with Lee Scott's office and I informed them of what I have endured due to my wasted interview at Wal-Mart. A few hours later Mr. Reynolds'angrily called my home to inform me he had just received an email from the corporate office stating that I had complained to them. His coversation consisted of "What I want to know is why did you call the corporate office when I told you that I would handle it!?", "What do you want to me to do about this!?", "How many times do you want me to say I'm sorry!?", etc. I informed him that the damage has already been done and the only thing he can do is his job.
Things that are said during an interview are meant to be PRIVATE and CONFIDENTAL, and the corporate office agreed with me. He then stated that the lady who told my mother in law came forward and told him that she overheard me talking about my pregnancy to my husband while we were leaving the store the day of my interview. The only problem with that is I did not discuss with anyone but Mrs. Frye! I informed Mr. Reynolds of this, then he basically called me a lair and hung up.
As far as I know, no action has been taken towards anyone concerning this incident. It is not that I wanted my pregnancy to be a "secret", it is the fact that this is a very sensitive subject to me & my husband, and I was not ready for my family to learn of my news. Not only my family, but the whole damn store and their families now know and have made it a part of their gossip sessions!
If anyone has any advice on what I can do, please contact me. Thanks.
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