susan1234
Newbie
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« on: February 03, 2001, 11:24:35 am » |
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I was reviewing a job description for an admin job that I will be interviewing for next week. It says "Physically demanding tasks: minimal. Must be able to sit for long periods of time in front of computer terminal. Lift boxes for filing (approx. 50 pounds) etc." I cannot lift much beyond 20 pounds. When they ask me "do I have any weaknesses as it relates to the job," do I need to say that I can't lift more than 20 pounds?
I also interviewed for a receptionist job. I was given a job description at the interview. Under physical demands, it said something about lifting items weighing up to 30 pounds. The day after the interview the employer telephoned me to tell me I was one of the finalists and asked if I would have problems lifting 30 pounds. I replied that I did not as I honestly did not think that would be a problem. I later on experimented lifting different weight boxes. I found out that I would have difficulty lifting more than 23 pounds. I am really in a tizzy about this one. I am worried that if I call the employer at this stage of the game that I would be out of the running as there is another final candidate being considered. I need your advice.
Susan
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winkiebear
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« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2001, 10:49:23 pm » |
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I truly cannot think of anything in my office that weighs over 20 pounds, much less 50! If anything is that heavy, I try to use a chair to move it, or (sexist as this may sound) I ask one of my male coworkers to help me out. I don't know what sort of advice to give you . . . certainly don't lie about it if asked, but beyond that, I just don't know what to say!
Sorry . . .
Any other admin care to assist here?
good luck,
wb
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kknisley
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« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2001, 08:59:39 am » |
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The only thing I can think that would weigh that much would be a case of copy paper. Could be you will be responsible for keeping the copier supplies stocked and the copier repaired.
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yankeestarbuck
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« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2001, 09:13:42 am » |
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The standards for sitting at a computer are no more than 30 minutes at a time. It is then recommended to stand and move about vigorously for at least 5 minutes. I get funny looks but I don't have shoulder pain anymore. Under a physical demand, they can't go against OSHA recommendations. You should look these up and see if there can be allowances made. Lifting 30 pounds? Never heard of such a thing outside of a warehouse.
I heard a rumor that the Morgan Stanly company actually locks out the comuters after 30 minutes of continuous use for 5 minutes. Then it resumes. This forces a person to stop using it. They mean business. Look up the local OSHA laws and find out if these "physical demands" are breaking any.
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whitesatin
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« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2001, 04:46:18 pm » |
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Hi Susan1234,
Concerning the advertisement that specified the weight lifting requirements for the job, I would say that is a very unusual requirement to put in a Want Ad, so they must be VERY serious about that requirement.
If you can't lift that amount of weight, don't hope that you won't have to just to get the job. You'll find out soon enough that you can't handle the weight, and so will they. The employer has probably had other personnel that have been injured and claimed Workers Comp, or had to resign because they couldn't handle the lifting. We have to realize that this costs the hiring company money. They don't want you to get injured, and they don't want to have to bear the expense of Workers Comp claims and training new personnel.
They are being very upfront about this requirement, so you need to be just as upfront about the fact that you probably cannot comfortably lift that amount of weight.
Just a few thoughts. Hope this helps. Let us know what happens.
WS
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solargal
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« Reply #5 on: February 07, 2001, 12:32:37 pm » |
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You are very correct. The employer does not want anyone getting hurt (or claiming to be hurt) by picking up heavy boxes or whatever. When we post a job now, we have to be very specific or else the employee will/can come back and claim they didn't know they had to perform that task. Gone are the days when you got a job and were even afraid to talk to the boss - oh the good old days!
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sungoddesslv
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« Reply #6 on: February 12, 2001, 03:04:13 pm » |
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Not that women are weaklings, but I've not been expected to lift anything heavy - nor would I. You get someone to help put the item on a dolly/handcart and off you go.
I'd be curious to know what it is that weighs 30-50 lbs that this perspective employer excepts you to lift.
When an interviewer asks about any weaknesses, I don't think they mean can you lift heavy objects. Trying to maintain a civil attitude when working with incompetent people is a weakness (not that I would ever say it that way).
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radaro
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« Reply #7 on: February 14, 2001, 01:33:58 am » |
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I know that I can lift 48lbs, the exact weight of my 7 year old son. However, he is easy to lift because I can give him a piggy back or he will wrap his legs around my waist. This way the weight is distributed and easier to carry. I'm not sure I could lift a 40-50lb box of anything since the weight is all in one place.
I do know that once a week I have to pick up a box of bottled water for my boss (weight unknown (bottled water not my boss's)). I just pick it up 6" off the floor and put it on a trolley to carry to his office.
I have honestly never seen a weight-lifting requirement in any administrative position posting!
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craftygirl
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« Reply #8 on: February 14, 2001, 08:07:40 am » |
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OK trivia -- if it's one of those 5-gallon deals it weighs about 40 lbs. (Water is close to 8 lbs per gallon--a figure I remember from my backpacking days many moons ago when it mattered!)
And that's all I have to say about that.
Shannon
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