((((((((((October))))))))))))))
Having been on both sides of the recruitment process, I can relate to your disappointment.
I currently work in Recruitment for a blue chip company in the UK. Both sides are frustrating and sometimes it is very hard to tell who would be good and who wouldn't. Sometimes their CV doesn't reflect well, or any number of things really, and they come back to us.
One thing I noticed from your post was this:-
The only problem with fighting back like this is that the only way they can make a case is by attacking me; either I am not qualified, or I filled the form in the wrong way, or did not give the right information in the right way. And institutional defensiveness pretty well demands that for the first six months of any battle, that is the position that they will take, and it will take a long time before anyone dares admit that, just maybe, I have a point, and should have been offered an interview.
If you filled in the form the wrong way, then an approach might be, "In what way was it wrong, please can you advise me so I know for next time?", "If you can advise me how to fill it in correctly, would it be possible that you can offer me an interview?"
Without knowing all the ins and outs, it could be that your application was received late and they were already at the final interviewing stage, or that they have already issued an offer which is waiting to be accepted. There are so many things it could be.
If they have rejected you based on a mental illness, it would be exceedingly hard to prove. It depends on if you were expected to fill in an additional health form, or if you submitted this information on your own. Here's my advice (not that you've asked for it, so I'm only giving this because I work in Recruitment, but if you don't want my advice, please bypass this), I would advise that you don't tell them you have a mental illness unless you have to (something like maybe at a final interview, then acknowledge but let them know that it isn't an issue, well medicated etc. Employers just need to be reassured that you won't be off long term sick, or have a lot of sickness). All companies are looking for the best person for the job opening they have. To get there you have to show them that you're the best person. Positive, positive, positive all the way. Things like "can do" attitude, hardworking, good verbal and written communication skills, computer packages you have, are all good buzzwords and you would be amazed how many CV's I see without this....
Other things can be simple like printing on different paper (like buff paper), or good quality paper, things that seem insignificant can be a biggie in all those CV's the hiring manager has to go through.
And on a personal note, before I moved to this company, I went to an interview, about 3 years ago now. I really wanted this job but lost out.... I came a close 2nd apparently. I was gutted.... however if I had got it, I wouldn't be where I am now. I got a bigger and better job in the end.
Bones - A lot of companies don't ask about disabilities or date of birth because of discrimination. Here in the UK the Age Discrimination Laws have just been introduced (from 1st December).... I don't know how it is in the states and if you have a right to an interview though.
October hon, I liked this:-
As for the future, I think this confirms that employment is not the route for me to take, so whatever I do end up doing, this is not the way. This message has been clear enough in past years, and is confirmed again now. And any time I feel like trying again, I can, but I think the outcome will not change. I have to find another path.
Maybe another path is down the employment route, but reacting differently. Maybe if you were in the council offices and someone rang you and said they had sent a letter of complaint to HR and the disabilities council, how would you react? I think I would feel that this person was a complainer and I would maybe feel I made the right choice in the beginning.
Bigger and better things lie ahead October.... I can feel it for you. Have you ever thought about working for the mental health? Can your experience be utilised there? I think you would be great.
Take care
H&H xx
