Unemployed. Furloughed. Do those words conjure negative emotions when you see them on a resume or when you must explain your situation? Maybe you feel like a lazy individual or someone who leaves jobs for superficial excuses. Plus, it is a challenging and competitive job market. While that can be the reason for some job candidates, it is not typical these days. As the economy changes and it is experiencing a significant transition, employment changes as well. A robust and recovering economy creates jobs for a variety of skill levels. It can be easier to secure a new position and even move up in your organization. As employment needs to evolve, so will the hiring procedures.
When you scan through resumes, here are some factors to consider:
· Everyone unemployed may not want to stay that way. Forget the assumption that the unemployed are the lethargic quitters society has normalized them to be. Millions of people lost their jobs and figuring out additional steps in their career journey. They might be the product of a merger, downsizing, or process automation, not their lack of willingness to work. Consider asking: How do you make the most beneficial use of your time during this season of unemployment for you?
· Every employed person could not be the most suitable applicant. Just because they have remained working doesn’t mean they are your perfect candidate. Explore the thought they may be able to work the system better than others and stay employed. Consider asking: What are your long-term goals to move your career forward?
· Everyone unemployed isn’t lacking marketable skills. What may happen is they have the same experiences as everyone else in their profession. What will set the unemployed and furloughed apart from everyone else is how they find a solution to this predicament. Consider asking: What have you been doing to become a standout applicant?
· Every employed person may not want to improve their work. Those working may not feel motivated to make their environment better. Employed individuals may be content to deal with the status quo and be inactive in their careers. If you’re trying to hire go-getters, they may not be the best choice. They could be consistently employed with no gaps in the resume and a list of solid references. Consider asking: How do you try to enhance your workplace?
· Everyone unemployed will not be desperate. The unemployed may have numerous opportunities that will be granted to them. Because of this, a low-ball proposition or a negative attitude from the hiring personnel may be an immediate decline from them. Consider asking: What does your perfect work situation resemble?
· Every employed person could not be excited about work. Someone employed for a long time doesn’t perpetually recognize how fortunate they are, especially in specific fields. They take for granted their constant paychecks and benefits, while those who have strived hard as contractors or on project work might be more prepared to work harder, more extended hours. Consider asking: When was an incident you went above and beyond at work?
As you navigate the hiring process, please don’t fret about their unemployed versus employed situation, but rather focus on the individual as a whole and the skills, experiences, and work ethic they produce. Some circumstances exceed our limitations, but it is a testament to personal character to how you respond. For help obtaining the most suitable candidates, contact WSi Healthcare Personnel.