Are employers bypassing unemployed job applicants?
There have been a number of reports about employers shunning unemployed applicants for those already holding jobs.
Now, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is trying to figure out whether it’s a widespread practice, Associated Press reports.
In Georgia, the long-term unemployed — those out of work for at least 27 weeks — now make up more than half of the jobless.
What’s been your experience? Are companies bypassing jobless workers?
- Henry Unger, The Biz Beat
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92 comments Add your comment
Jane Quatam
February 17th, 2011
12:51 pm
Thank god the recession is officially over- though Ben Bernanke says banks should stress test for another recession and unemployment of 11% (official U3 – that means 20-30% U6)
The Federal Reserve ordered the 19 largest U.S. banks to test their capital levels against a scenario of renewed recession with unemployment rising above 11 percent, said two people with knowledge of the review.
The banks stress-tested the performance of their loans, securities, earnings, and capital against at least three possible economic outcomes as part of a broader capital-planning exercise. The banks, including some seeking to increase dividends cut during the financial crisis, submitted their plans last month. The Fed will finish its review in March.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-17/fed-tells-banks-to-stress-test-capital-for-recession-with-11-unemployment.html
Truth
February 17th, 2011
12:52 pm
@Strange Days
Yep, those with decent corporate jobs need to save, stop financing their lifestyle (pay as you go instead), save some more, then when things really hit the fan, move to a relatively secure 3rd world with a beach!
The whiners and socialist Obama supporters are ruining our country! Makes me sick!
Road Warrior
February 17th, 2011
1:08 pm
Enter your comments here
Dee96
February 17th, 2011
1:18 pm
There is nothing logical or explanable in denying someone employment due to the length of time they have been unemployed. It’s just another way to prove why America is slowly going to hell in a handbasket.
Greed is what’s running these companies and schools and hospitals. and when someone sticks their hands in the cookie jar too much…..then large layoffs have to take place to re-balance the budget.
I hope that some of the insensitive smart asses on this post “NEVER” find themselves out of a job.
Rebecca
February 17th, 2011
1:31 pm
I have been a stay at home mom for the past 14 years and have recently started looking for work. I have been talking about it for a while, and many of my friends, both male and female, have been asking me when I am going to take the leap. I thought it was odd why so many were asking, and to my suprise I am being sought after even though I have been out of the workforce for so long.
Apparently, I am a better candidate for an entry level position than someone who have been unemployed for a short period of time. I am told my dedication to my family, personal finance skills, and ability to “do it all” have translated into a positive image that many employers are looking for.
There are many positive factors that employers are looking for. I have also been told that our credit is considered and the fact that we lived on one income and were able to still pay our bills and save money without going into debt.
I think people have to look into what they are doing wrong, like only willing to take the perfect job, and other factors that can be a hinderance to a future employee. Not trying to be boastful or the bearer of bad news, but people need to realize that if you can’t get a job, be creative and go about it differently. There is alot of competition out there. Be flexible as your future financial well being depends on it.
catlady
February 17th, 2011
1:33 pm
From what I see, if you have been out of work for a while, you are SOL. It does not seem to matter by race, but I think older workers are harder-hit. The maximum skills you have the better, but there is not a lot of hiring going on anywhere that I see. The more “expectations” you have the worse it is, I think.
Absolutely, yes...
February 17th, 2011
1:36 pm
…I was laid off at the end of the year (2010) – yesterday I sent my resume to an Atlanta company to whose job requirements I fit to the proverbial “T” – advanced degree, experience, excact job background they are hiring for, industry designations, etc – they called me immediately this morning for a “telephone” interview. Seriously, my background and resume read like it was right from their job description. However, as the interview progressed to the dreaded “why did you leave your last employer” question (and remember, I have only been out of work for 6 weeks), the whole thing changed when I explained that I had been part of a “reduction in force”. Un-freakin’-believable, but true…and this was not the first time this had happened to me in the past 6 weeks!
brin
February 17th, 2011
1:54 pm
Use common sense…There is now a group in this country called the 99ers ..they are folks that have been receiving unemployment payments from the Federal govt. for 99 weeks..think about that ! 99 weeks of sitting at home, skills eroding, work ethic gone and no desire to take any kind of job just to get back in the game. Who would you hire ? someone who refused a hand out and instead took a job, any job to maintain their dignity and independence or someone that took the easy way…a hand out and milked it until it ended. Think about it !
Pleasant Phil
February 17th, 2011
2:01 pm
I was fortunate enough to find a job comparable to my old job after I was unemployed for 5 months in 2009. During my time of unemployment, I assumed that I could at least get part time work in jobs that would require me to work behind a counter doing some of the things that I’ve done before.
It turned out that it was actually easier for me to get hired (and even interviewed) for professional jobs in my field than for part time jobs. My point is, many of us who would rather work than just collect unemployment checks, simply cannot. The job market for even part time jobs is really tough right now.
styymy
February 17th, 2011
2:03 pm
That’s REALLY smart, hire someone who turns their back and walks out on their current job to come work for you so they can just do the same once they get bored. What kind of sense does that make? STUPID! And they’re blaming the president for the unemployment numbers??? Muuhahaha..
suwanee guy
February 17th, 2011
2:07 pm
What about those of us who are over 60 and would like to work? I am sick and tired of of reading about discrimination against blacks and Hispanics.
styymy
February 17th, 2011
2:36 pm
@suwanee guy re-read the main article. It is not saying anything about discrimination of blacks and hispanics. Where does it say that?! The article has information on factual jobless rates for blacks and hispanics. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is only stating true information it has on record. You’re tired of reading about it because that’s all you WANT to see every-time you read something which I find quite irritating.
chris
February 17th, 2011
2:48 pm
If this practice is occurring then it is abominable to say the least. There are job openings and people that are out of work need to be hired to get the economy moving again. This and SOME of the comments show a lack of empathy/sympathy for others. Those who are unemployed are not lazy and it does not show they are not go-getters. Some people working have learned to play the system or kiss the right person’s behind. It shows how those with jobs are mean/unfair to those without them. God forbid it happens to them.
I have been laid-off 6 times in 11 years and have been blessed to have been able to find another job in relatively a short amount of time in the technical field. I can tell you borders, mcdonald’s and other establishments aren’t so quick to hire those with college degrees or going through job changes, They know you will be gone as soon as things change or another position in your field come along. It costs alot to hire and train people and why do that for people leaving in 2 or 3 months or 6? Some people make it sound SO EASY and it’s not. I know from experience.
Also it’s asinine to think 300 a week to “laze” around compares to 1200+ every two weeks from a full time position. C’mon, really? Who thinks like that? Some think they are so smart or special it can’t happen to them or because they were blessed enough to find a band-aid for their situation. This practice is blatantly wrong and anyone who blames the victim is sad indeed.
brin
February 17th, 2011
2:58 pm
Forgive my previous rant, I am clearly an idiot.
1911A1
February 17th, 2011
3:03 pm
The lack of compassion by some posters is amazing (but not surprising, given the current culture.) It can be a long fall from a high horse.
Lacorey
February 17th, 2011
3:16 pm
I think this is an Issue that need to be investigated even more; I have been un emplyed for 4 years now. I have over 10 years of experience, including 4 years of professional experience working at a Fortune 500 company; I have applied for everything from entry-level to management and have been denied for every single thing i have applied for. I have reached to to HR Recruiters expressing my interest and they treat me as if I am a gem or virus trying to infect their company( very rude, un responsive and cold). And days later they turn around and hire someone that is less qualified than I am; but has been consistently employed and has not shown as much interest for the role as I have.
This issue really need to be investigated MORE; I bet a $1,000 that if some uncover investigation is conducted there would be so many companies doing this; that why so many people can’t get jobs its not that there are no jobs out there, these companies are making the hiring process so difficult for people to obtain the job (Long periods of unemployment, Weight, color, ethical minority and etc.)
Willing to Take 60pct Pay Cut
February 17th, 2011
3:26 pm
As for accusations about “lazing about”… Yes, I’ve been unemployed for two years, but I have been WORKING FOR FREE that entire time through my volunteer efforts that are directly related to my career path! I’ve been giving business advice, I’ve developed specialized plans, led committees, conducted meetings… I haven’t been sitting around, watching TV the whole time! I’m exercising so that I look as appealing as I can when I do speak with someone. I’ve networked my ass off. It has been two years of 12 to 16 hour days, seven days a week of looking for a job. I’m lazy?? No, this is simply an easy cut for the recruiters to diminish that pile of applicants for a job to something that they can actually handle. I just want them to begin to believe me when I say that “Yes, I want this job (despite the cut in pay and title) and I do stay and commit to a company when I come on board.”
@ Chuck
My vote is for a project where every town that doesn’t have one gets a public swimming pool installed. THERE is a local, nationwide project to put people to work and give them a place for recreation afterward! But, more realistically, we do need to repair all of our infrastructure. Let’s simply repair all of the bridges before they fall out (not just resurface the roads, but do some real repairs). That will employ cement mixers, engineers, carpenters, machinists, caterers and accountants – and all of the companies that offer B2B services for them.
Willing to Take 60pct Pay Cut
February 17th, 2011
3:39 pm
Darn it… I forgot to mention that I’ve also painted houses and installed drywall and other small general contracting assignments.
To all of those accusing the long term unemployed of “lazing about”: How far do you think that will go on a (computer) technical manager’s resume?? Really? If I’m in my 40s and ‘overqualified’ for jobs that pay up to $100K per year, they’re going to think more of me if I admit that I’ve been doing odd jobs?
I’m not a union member and don’t have enough experience and am too old to be seriously considered for a job in the trades! Besides, they’re hurting too and really don’t appreciate people like me who undercut their prices.
Tina
February 17th, 2011
3:42 pm
I’m ashamed to type this but I was thinking how cool it would be to put people to work by building a waterslide coast to coast . How cool would it be to get in a waterslide down the road & come out somewhere like San Diego ? I’m so tired & overworked . We can’t even use vacation time where I work . I don’t know how much longer I can do this . I wonder more about the ramifications of breaking the non compete I signed more than anything .
Demand From Our Government & The Rich All The Resources God Has Put On Earth For Man To Survive
February 17th, 2011
3:56 pm
Help Stop The Political Traitors In Congress & End Illegal Politics In The U.S
We must organize & mobilize as a nation now… The U.S is on the path of being taken over by illegal immigrant and terrorist by 2011. Media black outs & internet censoring or site blocking in the U.S is already being tested and a bill is up for a vote. What’s next to be taken away, freedom of speech and the right to bear arms? Beware crooked businesses, politicians, and other trader illegal immigrant supports will push congress & Obama to vote to yes on an amnesty bill this year to allow the continued invasion of over 30 million illegal immigrants. Most of who are habitual lawbreakers, uneducated, criminals, terrorists, gang members, pedophiles, prostitutes, and drug users/dealers. Illegal Immigrant and supporters steal money, use violence, and make terrorist threats to people who oppose amnesty or want laws enforced. Defense budgets and military bases all over the country are closing down. Wake up U.S citizens!!! We do not need more illegal’s joining the military. We have the draft and Militia’s in law for emergency or invasion. Why are our military soldiers dispatched all over the world? Not to protect us, but to protect big corporations and the rich over seas. Your current lawmakers have sold us out to foreign nations, private investors and the poor south of our border. The plan is to replace us with illegal immigrants then leave legal U.S citizens broke, hungry and defenseless to be taken over by rich and poor foreigners with bad intension. Citizens born in the United States are the target of elimination and are slowly being pushed out of the workforce to be left broke and dry. Illegal immigrants in the U.S earn an average income of $30,000 per yr with no papers, elementary diploma, high school diploma, or college degree. This is our regional land and the citizens born of it have a physical & spiritual oath to preserve or defend it at all cost. A fact is illegal immigrants hate U.S citizens; many raise their kids to be lawbreakers, criminals and to support terrorism in the USA like there parents. This Dream Act and any for of amnesty is a breach of national security and must be stopped now. The people do not have to accept this treason or any new laws or legislation that supports foreigners before it’s own legal citizens. So if you prefer to keep living a lie and are too scared, lazy, blind to truth or have no will to defend the soil you were born on to help citizens & people in need… Then don’t follow us at http://usmoa.org/
Bobby
February 17th, 2011
3:58 pm
I actually saw this the other way around. I am currently employed. I decided to look for other options just to see what was out there, and landed a group interview with a tech company. The thing about group interviews is that you get to see everyone you’re up against and know what their skills are. My personal assessment was that I was not the most technically qualified in the room, I was maybe the third most qualified.
However, I was offered the job. They offered me $10k less than what I was making now, and I don’t dislike my current job. When I declined, they said they would go back to the drawing board and call me back, and then a day later I got a “thanks for interviewing but you weren’t a good fit” form letter. I assume they then went to the person who was the most qualified (but unemployed) and he took the job at the pay they offered me.
Trifecta
February 17th, 2011
4:06 pm
“It can be a long fall from a high horse.”
Not if you own the horse, or have enough money in the bank to cushion the fall.
It also helps if you are an equestrian and know how to handle the horse.
realitybytes
February 17th, 2011
4:09 pm
I am currently employed, but was unemployed for 7 1/2 months last year. I wasn’t fired, or did a poor job, I was simply laid off. I spent 8 hours a day 5 or 6 days a week looking for a job. I networked, went to classes, made phone calls, etc. and it still took me that long to find a job. I have never been unemployed before and didn’t think it would take anywhere near that long to find a job, but it did. Yes I am upper management…but it shouldn’t be this hard.
To all of you judgmental folks saying I was sitting around gleefully cashing my unemployment checks….I hope this never happens to you! It is a scary thing.
My son is currently unemployed and has done all of the things everyone has suggested. He worked pro bono for companies, did other volunteer work and took odd jobs all to list that he was “working” He has not had many interviews and he is entry level. Where are all of the $10 an hour jobs? Please tell me so I can send him there! He has definitely run into the currently unemployed need not apply stigma!
To those that are unemployed, hang in there. To those that are being so judgmental, karma is lurking in the shadows, be careful what you put out there!
Gaurav Khanna
February 17th, 2011
4:13 pm
I agree wholeheartedly that employers are being over-judgemental over # of weeks unemployed and it GETS to me.
What I am surprised and alarmed by is the fact that applicants are not targeting their resumes and scantily submitting precise cover letter.
The stakes are high for every job application and they are especially high for people who are unemployed. Targetting will not resolve the experience that someone had in the interview stage but it will certainly open more doors for you.
I am Gaurav Khanna, President and CEO, of JobsTitan.com that has been launched this week to provide the needed help in just these scenarios.
GIVE ME A BREAK
February 17th, 2011
4:24 pm
Unfortunately, it took a depression for the vast majority to realize that mega corporate america rules this country; along with the assistant of the government. They both cuddle in the same bed.
more unemployment
February 17th, 2011
10:47 pm
the current unemployment benefits are a joke. I need a lot more money to pay my basic bills–the state needs to bump the money up to $500-$600 per week.
mp
February 17th, 2011
11:32 pm
It is not the government that needs to give ‘incentives’ to companies to NOT outsource, it is we, the consumers that need to give these companies the incentives to stop outsourcing in order to grow their bottom line and enrich the stockholders. We are the ones that need to show as much guts as the Egyptians and at least have a national boycott of companies that take no responsibility in getting this country back to work and back to recovery. This is a major crisis that will affect every taxpayer in this country. Do you not read the news???? Who is going to make up for the horrendous loss of revenue as the middle class is being driven to ruin? You, Kate.
unemployed & 55
February 18th, 2011
12:05 am
It is most probably true that employers are discriminating long term unemployed. They also most probably discriminate people over 50. I am in both of these two categories.
I can grantee that I am at least as prepared as someone who is currently working, I completed continuing education classes with highest GPA , and also volunteered for NGO in my industry. At the same time all my extensive efforts to find a job produced only a couple of interviews.
In previous years, I worked full time and even overtime at the times when it was required. My all reviews were excellent and i was meeting and exceeding monetary goals stated by that organization. Now that same employer “does not have a job to offer”…
And it is supposed to be my fault! It is just crazy, isn’t it?
Lacorey
February 18th, 2011
12:38 am
@ Katie, I think you need to take a ride on the Unemployment bus for a while and show all the so called lazy behind people how to do it; Someone who has worked hard to complete secondary education and/or has years of professional work experience should not have to settle for a minimal wage job when they have the skills and years of experience to do better. Thats like a shot in foot for all your hard work….. Just taking any ole job is not going to solve the problem.If you have a monthly expense of $2000 or more and you only make $850-1000 a month on your little some called taking any job; you are going to still be in just as much trouble as someone who does not have a job because you can’t make $850 cover $ 2000 in expenses. If you lost you job today I want to see if you would take the first thing smoking…. NOT!!! People always has something negative to say about the person who is making the complaint when there not in that situation, but as soon as they are it’s funny how their opinions change…….
TnGelding
February 18th, 2011
7:15 am
What’s the world coming to? In my book, those out of work should get priority on the basis they will be thankful and do a better job. The employers must think there is a reason they are unemployed other than the obvious.
Mike's wifey
February 18th, 2011
7:41 am
Katie and those like her who are blaming people who have been out of work for over 6 months, I pray, pray, pray it never happens to you. My husband survived 3 rounds of layoffs and they finally got to his seniority level. He is 54. He applies for everything out there. He has excellent references. He even got his place of work into a program that saved them thousands of dollars. He had perfect attendance awards. Yet a year later, he can’t find anyone to hire him. STOP BEING SO JUDGMENTAL. My man has never been of work longer than a week before. It’s a whole new world out there. I hope you never get judged the way you have judged others. May God have mercy on your soul
Charles
February 18th, 2011
8:56 am
Katie- payback can be a b@#ch! Until you’re in the shoes of those who are unemployed, refrain from being judgmental!!
mark
February 18th, 2011
10:51 am
if you want to take control of your life & career, you will never find it working for others. You must become a business owner….period !! Call me @ 404 333 9282 for the answer,,,
Gaurav Khanna
February 18th, 2011
3:42 pm
“mike’s wifey”, go to jobstitan.com
tnGelding, I could not agree with you more. the unemployed will do splendidly in their new assignments with the internal fire.
John
February 18th, 2011
7:51 pm
There should be an anti discrimination law protecting unemployed people who lost jobs due to no fault of their own. Many companies are only inviting people with a current job to apply certain positions; others would simply bypass the resumes from unemployed applicants. The longer someone is unemployed, the harder it is for he/she to land a new job. Of course, the unemployed are often from the hard hit industries during the recession so it is even harder for them to find matching job these days.
John
February 18th, 2011
8:08 pm
Katie, When jobs are scares, even if everybody tries hard in job search, the total number of jobs will not increase, it is only the matter of who gets it who does not. It also depends on the industry and the type of position. The a industry as a whole is going down, then there will be more people unemployed from this industry thus hard for these people to find a job within the industry. For these people to find jobs cross industry, they will have to compete with people with experience in that industry. This is only one of the many reasons for the unemployed to take longer time to land another job!
Katie, you must understand not all jobs are suitable for every unemployed. Someone who’s been in an executive level role for the past 20 years may not be a competent cook or custodian. It will not signify economical growth for all these people to get a minimum wage job.
Words of advice
February 19th, 2011
8:58 am
payback can be a b@#ch!
until you’re in the shoes of those who are unemployed
refrain from being judgmental!
———————————————————
Just a few ‘classic’ comments from the unemployed. Do you carrying these same attitudes to your job interviews? Bets are you do! You might want to think about that the next time you are called in for a face to face. It is amazing that job candidates come in with this kind of baggage and they don’t even know it. Believe it or not, the interviewer can read yoou like a book! Just a bit of friendly advice from a former HR executive. Are you truely the best? Someone else’s job depends on wheather or not you are.
the chosen one
February 19th, 2011
11:03 am
Enter your comments here
Charles
February 19th, 2011
11:21 am
Word of Advice- No, I leave those attitudes at home! My point was that it’s kinda hard for someone to find a burger-flipping job when even those places are not hiring in my area! So, with that said, the person who was judging us for sitting at home instead of out flipping burgers, she needs to refrain from being so black or white!
the chosen one
February 19th, 2011
11:31 am
Let me say these. I TRULY HOPE that it does (become unemployed) to those people who think that others are not looking for work. But look at it like this. Take this time to reevaluate yourselves and know that you are not worthless. Those companies don’t deserve the qualities that you can bring to the table. Lo and behold and I mean this, Karma is a B*%tch and their day is definitely coming.
Employed
February 20th, 2011
7:17 am
Katie, that “big ol” chip on your shoulder shows through loud and clear… You attitude is why you were not hired and you also seem to be on your “high horse”.. Your an idiot.
mo money
February 20th, 2011
11:07 am
the government should bail out everyone who lost their job like they did with big connected banks, AIG and GM, and pay their same salaries for 3 years or until they find a job making the same money.