The timeframes depends on the circumstances. One job, my first day was 3 months away and the drug test HAD to be completed two weeks before my start date.
It also depends on what kind of tests they are performing, blood, urine or hair. The urine is easy, blood is hard, and hair is just hardest as hair stores more historical biological information.
The timeframes depends on the circumstances. One job, my first day was 3 months away and the drug test HAD to be completed two weeks before my start date.
It also depends on what kind of tests they are performing, blood, urine or hair. The urine is easy, blood is hard, and hair is just hardest as hair stores more historical biological information.
As long as I have a couple of weeks after I get the email AND it's a urine test, I should be fine.
I smoked last week. =(. I was at an open mic, had a story to read but I got so nervous going up there in front of dozens of people that I got completely s!ht-faced. THen someone passed me a joint and without even realizing what I was doing I took a couple of hits.
I've been smoking weed for so many years (since I was 13) that toking up is like second nature to me.
If it's a hair test I'm fcvked.
Last edited by spookie; 31st March 2008 at 12:37 AM.
Is there no subtle way to find out what kind of test it will be?
I tried.
A couple of months after the offer and when I had passed another actuarial exam, I emailed asking for "more info" regarding the drug screening and the housing situation (I'm getting free room and board ) so I could "start making my plans" to relocate. They said HR would contact me in April, but what did I want to know?
I didn't have a good way to ask, "When and what type will the drug screen be?"
I guess at this point I'll find out soon enough...
A couple of months after the offer and when I had passed another actuarial exam, I emailed asking for "more info" regarding the drug screening and the housing situation (I'm getting free room and board ) so I could "start making my plans" to relocate. They said HR would contact me in April, but what did I want to know?
I didn't have a good way to ask, "When and what type will the drug screen be?"
I guess at this point I'll find out soon enough...
Actually, ask them where and when the drug tests have to be completed; so you can accelarate the process. The where can give you an idea as in home or office. The home usually means blood. Office could be blood, urine or hair.
Wow, it just dawned on me that you are getting tested for an actuary job! Are drug tests standard procedure in the States?
I don't remember where in the wolrd, but I read recently that there was a legal case lately that was won after someone lost a job for drug use. Basically the defendant (the person who lost the job) claimed it was injustice since drug addiction was an illness and he was therefore being fired for an illness. His job was restituted.
I would file a case on the premisse that unless it impedes my work, what I do in my spare time is none of my employer's business.
Wow, it just dawned on me that you are getting tested for an actuary job! Are drug tests standard procedure in the States?
I don't remember where in the wolrd, but I read recently that there was a legal case lately that was won after someone lost a job for drug use. Basically the defendant (the person who lost the job) claimed it was injustice since drug addiction was an illness and he was therefore being fired for an illness. His job was restituted.
I would file a case on the premisse that unless it impedes my work, what I do in my spare time is none of my employer's business.
Well in the States, there were cases where drug addiction can be classified as an illness but the person held the job.
The OP is trying to get the job which changes the conditions.
Drug tests are standard procedure for many jobs in the States, pretty much any public trust, fiduciary trust, or dealing with people. Many jobs are conditional based on passing the drug test. After a getting a job there is usually a trial period which the employer can still release a person without cause.
It is RIDICULOUS how many jobs require drup tests nowadays here in the states ! I mean I understand truck driver, bus drivers, medical personnell, etc, but now most GROCERY stores, home improvement stores, almost every place requires one !
The worst part is that pot, the most harmless of all stays in your body for 30 days whereas the " harder" drugs are out after the weekend. I actually KNOW people who would do coke and pills instead of smoking a joint because they had a drug test coming up, so imo, it's not even a good or healthy deterrent.
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"Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all it's pupils." - Louis-Hector Berlioz
All drug screenings I have taken were just a few weeks before employment started.
I was never given a certain amount of time to complete it. It was just when I spoke with HR they made the appointment for me, or asked what days/times were good for me. They always had specific testing centers to go to, but would offer me a choice in which center was most convenient for me.
I've ALWAYS had a urine test. I've not heard of employers using blood or hair to test. I know they are used for drug testing, but I haven't heard of it for a pre-employment screening (but I, obviously, don't know everything).
The only thing I could think of to find out more information from your prospective employer if you need to find a testing facility in your area before moving. Then they would probably let you know how they handle it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kamille
Wow, it just dawned on me that you are getting tested for an actuary job! Are drug tests standard procedure in the States?
I don't remember where in the wolrd, but I read recently that there was a legal case lately that was won after someone lost a job for drug use. Basically the defendant (the person who lost the job) claimed it was injustice since drug addiction was an illness and he was therefore being fired for an illness. His job was restituted.
I would file a case on the premisse that unless it impedes my work, what I do in my spare time is none of my employer's business.
What you mention here is a lot different than a drug screening for employment.
The situation where someone has an addiction depends on other variables besides just the addiction.
In the US, there is the Family and Medical Leave Act where your employer would be required to give you leave for your addiction and they cannot take any adverse actions. So, they cannot terminate you if you decide you need to rehab for your addiction, and they have to give you the time to do so.
However, they may have a policy against drugs with no tolerance, and they implement random drug testing. Then if an employee fails they can be terminated. Addiction or not, with the policies in place and communicated, the employee has little room to stand.
The worst part is that pot, the most harmless of all stays in your body for 30 days whereas the " harder" drugs are out after the weekend. I actually KNOW people who would do coke and pills instead of smoking a joint because they had a drug test coming up, so imo, it's not even a good or healthy deterrent.
I agree, it's completely ridiculous. In practice all it amounts to is lifestyle discrimination. You can shoot up, snort coke, whatever, but if you're a functional pothead you won't get hired.
I actually have done coke to avoid smoking pot. I've also taken up drinking rather heavily, which is far more unhealthy and dangerous.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SeraBella
However, they may have a policy against drugs with no tolerance, and they implement random drug testing. Then if an employee fails they can be terminated. Addiction or not, with the policies in place and communicated, the employee has little room to stand.
If this place has that kind of policy, I am not working there. Pre-employment screening IMO is one thing - it can make sure there is no anti-selection, that heavy users don't apply to that place just because they know it's the only one in the industry who doesn't test; plus I think it is reasonable that if you want the job enough, you get clean for as long as it takes to pass.
But a no tolerance policy, with random testing... I am not a child, and that strikes me as a major intrusion on my privacy.
Last edited by spookie; 31st March 2008 at 5:21 PM.
If this place has that kind of policy, I am not working there. Pre-employment screening IMO is one thing - it can make sure there is no anti-selection, that heavy users don't apply to that place just because they know it's the only one in the industry who doesn't test; plus I think it is reasonable that if you want the job enough, you get clean for as long as it takes to pass.
But a no tolerance policy, with random testing... I am not a child, and that strikes me as a major intrusion on my privacy.
This should all be in the employee manual or handbook you'll receive. Perhaps you can suggest they send some of these things to you ahead of time to get the paperwork rolling? Usually you have to sign something saying you acknowledge receipt of the handbook and have read and understand, etc.
Since you live farther away, they will probably mail you a lot of things ahead of time, but they probably want to talk with you first and let you know what they are sending.
Random testing is more frequent in positions where it is illegal to operate under the influence like driving, etc. Sometimes it is required by law in those positions.
A lot of workplaces have no tolerance policies, but I don't think a ton of them do random testing without a reason. Afterall, each test costs them money and everyone is trying to cut down unnecessary spending. Usually they do reserve the right to and if they think someone has a problem or someone is high on the job then they may demand a drug test at that point.
When are you supposed to start this position? I would guess that they want you to take the test at a testing center near the office that they always use for the screenings. They usually use companies they know and trust and have a contract with. And there is less room for "cheating".
I agree, it's completely ridiculous. In practice all it amounts to is lifestyle discrimination. You can shoot up, snort coke, whatever, but if you're a functional pothead you won't get hired.
...
But a no tolerance policy, with random testing... I am not a child, and that strikes me as a major intrusion on my privacy.
Lifestyle discrimination, free speech and many civil liberties are left at the door when one goes to work. It is a business and the business envioronment should be professional, clean, and drug free. A no tolerance policy, random testing, pre-employment screening, on going credit checks, polygraphs, etc... are part of being an employee working for a company.
Policies and procedures can change without advance notice and following policies and procedures is part of the job and professional.
Just like math, one just can't change the order of operations; there are procedures to follow to get the desired result for whatever reasons.
Lifestyle discrimination, free speech and many civil liberties are left at the door when one goes to work. It is a business and the business envioronment should be professional, clean, and drug free. A no tolerance policy, random testing, pre-employment screening, on going credit checks, polygraphs, etc... are part of being an employee working for a company.
Policies and procedures can change without advance notice and following policies and procedures is part of the job and professional.
Just like math, one just can't change the order of operations; there are procedures to follow to get the desired result for whatever reasons.
Heh, well, call me immature, but if that's the case, if I have to leave my civil liberties out the door just to be an employee, I think I'll keep stripping forever.
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) so I could "start making my plans" to relocate. They said HR would contact me in April, but what did I want to know? 
I've also taken up drinking rather heavily, which is far more unhealthy and dangerous.
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