There’s been a lot of discussion about the claim that some recruiters and hiring managers are only interested in people who are already employed. This report, circulated on CNN and other major news sources, raised the specter of discrimination against the unemployed. But a recent poll should go a long way to putting minds at ease.
SmartBrief on Workforce reports there is only a small portion of companies indicating bias against the unemployed by those looking to hire. More than half of those surveyed said they have no preference between active candidates (those looking for a job) and passive candidates (the happily employed). Sixteen percent said they prefer active job candidates. Only 6% said that unemployed people need not apply.
Here are some suggestions on what to do with this good news:
- Don’t focus on that 6%! Instead think about the 94% that are likely to welcome your application and consider how you can best show your qualifications for the job.
- Stay positive that every day people are getting hired and most of them are unemployed people finding new work.
- Focus on what works including what newly hired people are saying they did
- Continue to build skills and successes, learn and grow while you are out of work so that your resume looks fresh and up-to-date at all times.
Do not get caught up in reading news reports (good or bad) about employment trends and get distracted from your job search. Take positive actions and move forward.
