You may have heard the terms DNR or DND talked about in travel staffing — the DNR (Do Not Rehire) or DND (Do Not Deploy) list is something that you want to avoid altogether because once you’re there it’s hard, if not impossible, to get off of.
What is the DNR or DND list?
The terminology that companies use may be different, but the idea is the same — these are their in-house lists of people they do not want to rehire or deploy to future projects sites. To get on one of these lists, you must have worked for the company in some capacity and the staffing agency has determined that they do not want to place you on future projects. The best way to get off of one of these lists is to not get put there in the first place.
Depending upon the reason, the company may not ever hire you again. Some companies will consider rehiring after a certain amount of time has passed. It varies from company to company and getting yourself off of one of these lists will really come down to what happened that landed you on the list to begin with.
How Do you Get On the DNR or DND list in the first place?
The staffing agencies that specialize in deploying workforces throughout the country are always looking for the best of the best. Not only must you have the necessary skills, but you must be a go-getter, want to work hard, and be able to travel away from home and remain at the project sites for the duration of each contract. People typically end up on the DNR or DND lists for one of the following reasons:
Leaving A Contract Early
The biggest reason people land on the DNR or DND list is for leaving their contract early and breaking the contract that they agreed to with the staffing agency. Before accepting a contract you should make sure you have no other obligations that would require you to leave early. You have to remember that the staffing agency and their client have both invested in you — they’ve purchased your plane ticket, they pay for your hotel and per diem, so they fully expect you to stay for the timeframe you’ve committed to. If you break your contract, then they will be unable to trust that you’ll stay for the next one which is why you’ll likely end up on the DNR or DND lists.
Unqualified
If you show up to the jobs site and can’t do the work, you’ll likely be terminated and sent home immediately. If you were not truthful about your experience and it was evident on the plant or warehouse floor, then you may end up on one of these lists. This goes back to the fact that these staffing agencies are looking for the best talent out there.
Not Willing To Do The Work
When companies hire staffing agencies to bring them experienced talent, they’re doing so because they need qualified people who can get to work with little training. What’s more, you’re likely going to be working 60+ hours per week, so you must be ready to hustle and do a great job. If you’re not willing to go above and beyond and work hard each and every day, then you probably won’t last. If you’re not showing up to work, not working hard, or worse yet — caught sleeping or slacking off and NOT working at all… then you’ll likely be terminated and the company will likely choose not to rehire you for future projects. Long story short, if you’re not willing to work hard and hustle on the road, this isn’t the right career for you.
Bad Attitude
In addition to representing yourself as a great employee, but don’t forget you’re also representing the staffing agency. When you’re on the road, it’s best to focus on the work at hand and getting that bag. If you argue with other employees or worse, your supervisor or the client’s supervisors, it’s not going to be a good reflection on yourself or the staffing agency. If you’re always arguing and more of a distraction, then it may bump you up on the list of people to let go as the project winds down, or worse it could lead to termination. Even if you don’t get let go, the agency may decide moving forward that it doesn’t want to hire you because you have trouble interacting with others.
Fighting
This one should go without saying, however, this happens all too often and so it’s worth mentioning here. Having a bad attitude and constantly arguing with coworkers can create friction and ultimately could lead to physical altercations. If you find yourself in a physical altercation on the client’s property, you will likely land yourself on the DNR or DND deploy list. When on the road, you’re working with people from all over the country and some have big personalities. It’s best that you learn to keep to yourself or let things go.
Advice From Veterans In The Industry
It seems many who are new and just getting into the world of traveling contract work, don’t quite understand the ins and outs of how it works and what it takes to be successful. Those who have been doing this type of work for many years have invaluable advice for newbies:
“Nothing is ever handed out in this industry… Majority of the workers in this field treat this industry like a vacation when in reality, it is really not. Separate your workmanship and professionalism from others, be a stand-out. So that if a legitimate reason comes up that you need to leave (no w.a.b. excuses) you will be covered.” ~ Justin H.
“Don’t be a screw-up or you’re talking home. It’s a job… not a vacation” ~Ceasar P.
“Go to work and go to your room and the most important thing is mind the business that pays you and you will be fine” ~JonJon G.
“Be careful who you trust! These are co-workers not friends and if you so happen to meet a friend. Stick to that one. Being in the crowd only gets you in trouble and fired at an early point. This is business not a vacation!” ~Amber A.
“Don’t do anything to get on it… no one wants to admit what they did to be put there….” ~ Dametria S.
“Stay away from the drama” ~Tondelayo P.
“Avoid the gossip” ~Andra M.
“Stay to yourself, stack your coins, trust no one but GOD, live a little learn a lot and grow more” ~Naomi J.