Corporations are bypassing the law with cleaver Application "release" - The Job Application Trap

To get any position anywhere your required to fill out and sign an application for employment, but do you realize the last line before you sign (no sign no job) stipulates that you release all of your information from past employers including personal performance and anything else they want to tell them?

I find this actually offensive that their doing this. You're forced to sign the application but you cannot opt out of that particular "release" so this is truly extortion isn't it? They say you can apply somewhere else but truly their is no longer a "somewhere else" where this doesn't apply (no pun intended).

It's the principal not the fact that my private experiences with another company will be released that heats me up about this. I didn't realize companies were stooping this low until I was helping a friend with their resume..

If you ask me this is just another step towards pushing people to want to earn their living at home, online and capitalizing on their intellectual properties and talents.. I know I don't like working for those companies out there as they are all pretty much corrupt. It's trading time for a tiny wage, hardly worthy of your contribution, and then they strip away your privacy and before long your dignity.

I hereby authorize Starbucks to thoroughly investigate my background, references, employment record and other matters related to my suitability for employment.

(Nothing unusual so far)

I authorize persons, schools, my current employer (if applicable), and

(Here's where they embed this "release"):

Previous employers and organizations contacted by starbucks to provide any relevant information regarding my current and/or previous employment and I release all persons, schools, employers of any and all claims for providing such information. I understand that misrepresentation or omission of facts may result in rejection of this application, or if hired discipline up to and including dismissal.

Did you catch that? In signing your application which you cannot not do.. (Catch 22?) You are "releasing all persons, schools and employers (that means last job too) of any and all "claims" for providing such information.. this means the law is no longer protecting you if you sign this document.

Home depot and just about every other business does this. I suggest you read that disclaimer carefully before you sign that application.. If your going to add a "questionable" company on your resume they will have every right to say to your potential employer what ever they want, your giving them permission by signing it. The contract for employment thats not a contract for employment (read that part too)..

Yet it is ONLY really a contract for releasing your privacy.. embedded in a ploy.. sneaky sneaky.. its a wonder noone wants to go job hunting or dreads the very idea of filling out applications..