Job Seekers Find Bias Against The Unemployed

[Toucano]

http://www.npr.org/2010/11/16/131367533/some-will-only-hire-if-you-already-have-a-job

"Two specifically came right out and said we don't like to hire people that are unemployed. And one followed that with 'So, why are you unemployed?' in almost an indignant manner, which seemed kind of insulting. And the obvious answer is, well, because people like you don't like to hire unemployed people," Hall says.

This is a common complaint from unemployed workers — that employers only want to hire people who already have jobs and that there's a view that there must be something wrong with you if you're unemployed.

Chris Shablak, CEO of West Coast Careers, a recruiting and staffing company, confirms those perceptions. And he says he has clients who tell him they don't want him to hire unemployed workers. Shablak thinks there are legitimate reasons behind that strategy.

"If you think about the talent in that unemployed market, you would realize that companies rarely lay off their best skilled workers," he says.

"If you were the best, you wouldn't have been laid off in the first place. Good luck, unemployed loser!"

I never remember that attitude existing during other recessions. It's a ruthless society now, devoid of empathy.

[Lasher]

1. Yes, the attitude existed before this recession.

But I'm sure it is more conspicuous now.

[zbdent]

2. at some point, somebody HAS to hire an unemployed person ...

I mean, after the huge game of "musical chairs" is over ... there's someone who is still trying to find a person to fill a job ...

[Toucano]

8. Maybe

The man in the story was a tech salesman, pulling in a six figure income.

If all the companies with openings for tech salesmen will only fill positions from the pool of employed workers, Mr. Hall might find employment as a Wal-Mart greeter or a ditch digger.

Then the people with lower skill sets who could be Wal-Mart greeters or ditch diggers can, I don't know, live in their cars.

It seems the workers are really taking the knocks for the mistakes of financiers and executives.

[Tippy]

3. K&R And where does this current attitude come from...republicans in all forms

[Lisa0825]

4. It is partially true, but not enough to make decisions based on that.

For instance, I was part of a layoff of 3000 people at a large organization. About 2000 of us have been hired back. A lot of the others have been hired elsewhere. But there are probably a hundred or so that departments do NOT want back. And when I check employee files, it is usually due to performance or attendance issues that were documented.

However, when you look at the wider community, there are so many other reasons that people are still out of work, that those 100 are a drop in the bucket. So I do think it is fair to ask questions, check references, etc to try to make sure you are not hiring someone else's former problem. But no one should assume that is the case up front.

[Toucano]

5. I think the assumption that the unemployed are all responsible for their unemployed

status is ignorant, short-sighted and mean spirited.

If the only people worth employing are those who are already employed, you create a permanent vicious cycle of unemployment and drive workers down the job ladder.

[supernova]

7. This does not improve

my thoughts about HR people and hiring managers.

[Lisa0825]

14. I gave two concrete reasons that people are not rehired.

And I said in most cases it was not true, and that they should not make assumptions like this. what did I say that was wrong? :eyes:

[raccoon]

6. Shablak sounds like an ass. And he's in plenty of company.

"Shablak thinks there are legitimate reasons behind that strategy."

As long as I can remmber, it's always been easier to find a job if you already have a job.

[supernova]

9. Yes, we've all got

unemployment cooties.


:sarcasm:


Yes, that's the way it is, but does it really have to be that way? Isn't there a better alternative?

[treestar]

10. with 10% unemployment, how can anyone make that interpretation?

That there is something wrong with the person? apparently one can be an idiot and be in a hiring position. But at least if they hire only the employed, the person is leaving a job and that becomes an opening.

[Toucano]

13. Except that new opening will be filled by someone

who doesn't have the stain of unemployment on their record. If everyone hires from the pool of employed individuals, that is.

Musical chairs.

[supernova]

11. This story had me in a rage

this morning.

It is maddening and hurtful. :cry:

[no_hypocrisy]

12. That means you stand a better chance of being hired if you're still working for another employer?

That's whack.

[Taverner]

15. Yes. I can attest to this.

[ck4829]

16. This vicious cycle needs to be stopped. K&R.