I recently read an article by Dana Mattioli, a journalist for the Wall Street Journal. Her article talks about employers that are hiring (the few that are) prefer employed candidates (the increasingly fewer population) over unemployed candidates (the ever increasing population). She even states that many employers will not fill a position until they find the right passive candidate. The passive candidate is an employee that is currently working but not actively seeking a job.
The notion that unemployed candidates are being overlooked because they are unemployed is mind boggling. But if you think about it the strategy makes sense. Employed candidates (ESPECIALLY THOSE IN SR. POSITIONS) have to be the cream of the crop in their profession, hence the reason they are still working, these are the individuals who effectively managed their departments through tough, and uncertain economic times. If you compare the situation to pro sports, in most cases the MVP's, top notch athletes typically have their team vying for a championship, when their contract ends they always seem to be the most sought after player. The same is true for employed candidates.
For the unemployed, this new recruiting strategy just added another obstacle in finding a job in today's tough job market, however there still is hope. Here are a few tips:
-Prove that your recent termination was due to economic indicators not based on performance
-Have strong letters of recommendation from your previous employer, keep a strong list of references
-Be flexible with your salary requirements and job title
Check out Dana Mattioli's article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203872404574257983795638374.html
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