Quote Originally Posted by Wraith View Post
This isn't true at all. I've had several jobs now, was below the poverty line for years, and never needed any of those things.

Especially untrue. Those jobs generally don't care at all about employee background.

Also untrue. Most employers still prefer paper, and only grudgingly accept internet applications if they do at all. Varies by field, natch, and lower end jobs are the most flexible ones - higher end jobs are more likely to only accept paper.

All of that is very untrue.
Obviously, I didn't mean to imply that's true for every job, everywhere. But it has become more difficult for homeless, veterans, people in "transitional housing" with no fixed address, and no cell phone or internet to meet job requirements. It's not so much employers doing 'background checks' as requiring rapid communication (as Illusions said) for schedule changes, extra hours, and coordinating staff.

Read your local Want Ads. Not sure what your area employment looks like, but mine has many temporary, part-time and flex-time service jobs---requiring a personal cell phone (not provided by employer). Not a "home phone" land line, but mobile instant contact. Even for janitorial, assembly line, and fast food work. Larger employers list reliable transportation (meaning your own car, in places with crappy bus service) so they can move people where they're needed. Filling in for sick calls, adding someone on third shift when things get busy...etc. That's also common practice for staffing agencies, who need people who can answer calls immediately.