Unemployed Need Not Apply?
I recently read an article on Yahoo! Finance which relayed a growing trend: if you don’t have a job, you may not be considered for an open job.
Basically, the logic is that those who are not employed, having been laid off – for example – they’re not “A” players. If people are unemployed, they’re seen as being expendable. After all, if they were so great, why were they let go before? Clearly, they were replaceable or not necessary, so why should we hire them?
Now, I can understand the logic of this way of thinking. However, I think it’s foolish. These days, people get laid off jobs for all kinds of reasons. There are plenty of very talented people out there that have really good skills and the ability to excel at what they do. Sometimes things are circumstantial for people, and they’re caught up in bigger-picture economic conditions.
If someone is out there looking for work – and I mean ACTIVELY looking for work – they just well might be highly motivated. With bills to pay, and a family to support, people can be driven to do really good things.
I hope this “unemployment discrimination”, so to speak, can eventually be seen as being foolish. Personally, I think it’s great to give people a chance when they’re hungry for the opportunity and need it. There’s good business sense there.
Giveaways
There are just a few days left for the giveaway contest here at Squirrelers. I’m giving away 6 copies of H&R Block’s Premium Edition (Online)! Hurry, as the giveaway contest ends Monday, February 28.
Also, check out the fantastic giveaway at Budgeting in the Fun Stuff, as Crystal celebrates her blog’s 1 year anniversary.
Blog Carnivals
This week, Squirrelers was included in several carnivals:
- Squirreling Gone Wild #22: Drive-Thru Discount was included in the Festival of Frugality at Money Crashers, and was bestowed the host’s honor of being the Festival’s Valedictorian (always nice to get such cool feedback!)
- Time is Money: How Many Hours Did You Work to Buy That? was selected as an Editor’s Pick in the Carnival of Personal Finance, at MoneySmartLife
- Squirreling Gone Wild #21: Caveat Emptor was included in the Carnival of Money Stories and at Invest It Wisely
- Who Pays on the First Date: A Financial Lesson Learned was included in the Totally Money Blog Carnival, at Fat Guy Skinny Wallet
- Snow Insurance? Be Sure to Manage Weather Risks was included in the Cavalcade of Risk at Free Money Finance
Recommended Reading
Here are some articles from the personal finance blogoshphere that caught my eye :
- Did You Beat the Market, Mr. Market? at Money Cone
- 9 Sectors, 9 Great Dividend Stock Picks for 2011, at The Dividend Guy
- Why I’m Getting Out of Debt, at Deliver Away Debt
- 10 Innovative Ways You Can Invest in Real Estate, at Invest It Wisely
- 101 Tax Deductions for Bloggers and Freelancers, at Wisebread
- The 5 Most Financially Dangerous Haters, at You Have More Than You Think
- Why You Must Start Saving Now!, at Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance
- Is Your Emergency Fund in Good Shape, at Not Made of Money
- 10 Things I Want My Kids to Learn About Money Before They’re Adults, at Frugal Dad
- I Grew Up Poor and Survived, at Yes I am Cheap
It’s true…. that’s why it’s so important to be doing something that has structure if you are not officially working! Hence, the topic of one of my recent posts on what to say or do if you’ve been unemployed for a while.
Cheers, Sam
Sam – yes, it’s important to do tangible things when not employed. Consulting is good example.
I think it’s silly to prohibit unemployed individuals from applying for jobs. Some people lose their jobs because their company went under. Unemployment occurs for a host of reasons. Still, people shouldn’t get discouraged because some companies won’t hire them. You usually can find someone who’ll hire you OR you can hire yourself by starting a business.
By the way, thanks for including my post in your Updates and Favorites!
Shawanda – Agreed that people shouldn’t get discouraged because some companies won’t hire them just because they’re unemployed. Of course, if this becomes a widespread and prevalent practice, it could be understandably frustrating for people. Thankfully, some employers see the benefit of a “value” hire.
It is a warped world! I like the term ‘unemployment discrimination’! Very apt.
And hey, thanks for linking to my post Squirrelers!
Good point. Some people are laid off due to no fault of their own, but I do somewhat see the logic. It seemed true too – I was able to get a job pretty easily since I was already employed.
LifeandMyFinances – it’s a saying, that’s it’s easier to find a job when you already have a job. Makes sense that it was easier for you in that case.
I can see the point, but there are advantages and disadvantages. We are hiring a lot right now. True, the unemployed MAY not be “A” players. But, they are also less available. The unemployed can start right away, the employed may need to give 2 – 4 weeks notice. The unemployed are likely to be cheaper than the employed – most employed folks are looking for a bump in salary.
Particularly since I am looking for people willing to work nights, I am much more hopeful when I call the unemployed that I might get a “hit”.
Marcia – yes, it’s a supply and demand situation when it comes to employment. When someone needs a job, they’re likely more available and willing to take a little bit lower salary to bring cash flow in – particularly if they’re not confident about prospects going forward. Hence, the value to hiring the unemployed.
Thanks for the double mention of the carnival and article! 🙂
I’ve never understood the logic in not hiring someone because they’re unemployed. It’s the dumbest crap I’ve ever heard of especially with official unemployment hovering at 10% and real unemployment closer to 15%.
Thanks for linking to my post on growing up poor!
That discrimination is absolutely real. I have asked headhunters who’ve called me about jobs why the heck they are calling me when there are a ton of available candidates who aren’t working. They told me point blank that it’s a lot easier to place employed people vs people who are looking for jobs.
First Gen – yes, it’s easier to find a job when you have a job. Not fair in my opinion, but reality too. Real opportunities for hiring managers in my opinion, though.