I've been working at a distribution company for 14 months through a staffing agency.

Same building, same schedule, same supervisor, same responsibilities as the permanent employees. The only difference is whose name is on my paycheck.

About three weeks ago, a permanent position opened up in my department. Same job I've been doing, but with benefits, better pay and actual job security.

My supervisor encouraged me to apply. Said I already knew the systems and wouldn't need training.

I was genuinely excited about it.

The application itself was a little weird. It asked whether I'd ever been employed by the company.…