Comments - Tough Love for the Long-Term Unemployed: Have You Let Yourself Become Lazy? - RecruitingBlogs2024-03-28T19:30:48Zhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profiles/comment/feed?attachedTo=502551%3ABlogPost%3A1787397&xn_auth=noTo the point that some candid…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2014-02-11:502551:Comment:17884482014-02-11T13:52:04.536ZLinda Ferrantehttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/LindaLoCicero
<p>To the point that some candidates have given up....they aren't even on job boards anymore. They aren't responding to jobs, their resume isn't out there, etc. That's why we don't think they are out there. They are off the grid. Totally different from the 'lazy' job seeker. You know the one....'I have six weeks unemployment left, so I'll consider an offer around four weeks from now'. THAT is, IMO, the definition of a lazy job seeker. The problem is that I may not have this position open…</p>
<p>To the point that some candidates have given up....they aren't even on job boards anymore. They aren't responding to jobs, their resume isn't out there, etc. That's why we don't think they are out there. They are off the grid. Totally different from the 'lazy' job seeker. You know the one....'I have six weeks unemployment left, so I'll consider an offer around four weeks from now'. THAT is, IMO, the definition of a lazy job seeker. The problem is that I may not have this position open in four weeks, and even if I do, I'm probably not (no, I WON'T) consider you for the position. </p>
<p>This is very different from the underutilized, underqualified workers. Essentially, we have three different categories: not looking, waiting, and underutilized. Either way, if candidates are serious about finding a new job, they should look at every call as an opportunity. Meaning, don't come to the phone with an attitude! Honestly, it isn't my fault you were downsized. It isn't my fault you don't have a degree and are being passed over for positions. It isn't my fault you think you're 'too old'. I am here, right now, talking with you about an opportunity! Let's figure out if it's a good one for you.</p>
<p>I can't tell you how many times I ask, 'Are you ready to go back to work? Because it sounds like you aren't over your last position yet.' Not to be snarky, but you'd be surprised at the responses to that question.</p> Thanks for sharing @Kelly. Th…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2014-02-10:502551:Comment:17885072014-02-10T20:53:12.231ZAmy McDonaldhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AmyMcDonald368
<p>Thanks for sharing @Kelly. This has prompted a lot of interest on my end. Frankly, much more than when I originally posted.I'd love to see some more statistics myself.</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing @Kelly. This has prompted a lot of interest on my end. Frankly, much more than when I originally posted.I'd love to see some more statistics myself.</p> @ Matt: Do you have any links…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2014-02-10:502551:Comment:17882432014-02-10T18:39:04.399ZKeith D. Halperinhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/KeithDHalperin
<p>@ Matt: Do you have any links to statistics on time-to-hire over a long time period of years such as you mentioned? I think this would make a good topic..</p>
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<p>-kh</p>
<p>@ Matt: Do you have any links to statistics on time-to-hire over a long time period of years such as you mentioned? I think this would make a good topic..</p>
<p></p>
<p>-kh</p> Obviously this is a highly pe…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2014-02-09:502551:Comment:17879512014-02-09T00:13:45.318ZKelly Blokdijkhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/KellyBlokdijk
<p>Obviously this is a highly personal and complex situation and none of us really knows what others are doing, not doing and/or what they are going through or may have been through. </p>
<p>As I was thinking more about this topic, it reminded me of some interactions and conversations I had a few years ago that I ended up writing about. I hope this doesn't come across as "link dropping" (not my intention at all) but the following article touches on quite a few points in Amy's original article…</p>
<p>Obviously this is a highly personal and complex situation and none of us really knows what others are doing, not doing and/or what they are going through or may have been through. </p>
<p>As I was thinking more about this topic, it reminded me of some interactions and conversations I had a few years ago that I ended up writing about. I hope this doesn't come across as "link dropping" (not my intention at all) but the following article touches on quite a few points in Amy's original article as well as the subsequent comments. </p>
<h2 class="posttitle" id="post-83"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://talenttalks.wordpress.com/2010/09/28/when-are-you-going-to-settle-down/" target="_blank">http://talenttalks.wordpress.com/2010/09/28/when-are-you-going-to-settle-down/</a></span></h2>
<p>Thoughts? </p> OK..I wasn't going to, but I…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2014-02-08:502551:Comment:17880012014-02-08T06:22:01.795ZAmy McDonaldhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AmyMcDonald368
<p>OK..I wasn't going to, but I just can't stop now. Since you liked the GlamourShots story @Matt...you should know that when the franchise I worked for closed its doors, it was the owner that suggested I try recruiting and.. the rest is history. Hahah I don't make it up..I just comment about it on my blogs.</p>
<p>OK..I wasn't going to, but I just can't stop now. Since you liked the GlamourShots story @Matt...you should know that when the franchise I worked for closed its doors, it was the owner that suggested I try recruiting and.. the rest is history. Hahah I don't make it up..I just comment about it on my blogs.</p> @Matt. It's all good. No judg…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2014-02-08:502551:Comment:17877912014-02-08T06:07:32.205ZAmy McDonaldhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AmyMcDonald368
<p>@Matt. It's all good. No judgement felt. Just thought I'd write another blog post within the comment at midnight. Haha. Seriously though, I see exactly what you are saying and you are so right. I can honestly say that I have not searched for a position personally since 2009. I really like what you've talked about in your reply and I may just write something on it soon. How sad is it that the technology and processes designed to make us more efficient have done just the opposite. Hmmm..wheels…</p>
<p>@Matt. It's all good. No judgement felt. Just thought I'd write another blog post within the comment at midnight. Haha. Seriously though, I see exactly what you are saying and you are so right. I can honestly say that I have not searched for a position personally since 2009. I really like what you've talked about in your reply and I may just write something on it soon. How sad is it that the technology and processes designed to make us more efficient have done just the opposite. Hmmm..wheels are turning for me. It makes me want to find a solution for that. I've always been a process stickler but there may be a bigger picture I have not considered. As always, thank you for your views. </p> @Amy: First off, I completely…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2014-02-08:502551:Comment:17878292014-02-08T05:48:16.970ZMatt Charneyhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/MattCharney
<p>@Amy: First off, I completely expect a post from your experience at Glamour Shots, because that's just amazing. Beyond that, though, I wasn't at all suggesting that break wasn't in any way valid, but your comment reinforces the fact that this is a complex, highly personal and complex situation that it's doing everyone a disservice by speaking in sweeping generalizations. I'm snarky about recruiting and content, but I think that the fundamental basis for my disdain at the current state of the…</p>
<p>@Amy: First off, I completely expect a post from your experience at Glamour Shots, because that's just amazing. Beyond that, though, I wasn't at all suggesting that break wasn't in any way valid, but your comment reinforces the fact that this is a complex, highly personal and complex situation that it's doing everyone a disservice by speaking in sweeping generalizations. I'm snarky about recruiting and content, but I think that the fundamental basis for my disdain at the current state of the profession lies in this 'us' vs. 'them' mentality - we're all candidates at some point or another. Since 2009, the average time to fill for a position has increased 15 days to an average in the US of around 75 days from "we want to bring you in" until an offer extension (Bersin data) which means that 6 months is basically going through the process for only two jobs under optimal conditons - and the hoops you have to jump through to even get on that slate have become so complex that getting seen in the first place requires a work ethic that suggests that job search apathy and extended unemployment are rarely the candidates' fault at all - it's our stupid processes and terrible tech that's to blame. Nothing to do with candidate experience and everything to do with elan. But I hope you know I'd never judge you by your LinkedIn profile - the problem is that too many of our colleagues happen to assess candidates by the same methodology you've clearly shown is inaccurate, ineffective and above all, highly biased.</p> @Amy A. I wanted to comment o…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2014-02-08:502551:Comment:17877832014-02-08T05:23:23.981ZAmy McDonaldhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AmyMcDonald368
<p>@Amy A. I wanted to comment on yours separately because you provide a perfect example of what I am saying a person should do. They take something less ideal, maybe a part time position, and continue to search while they do so. The situation isn't great, but you can't give up. I have some serious thoughts on the waste of the talent over the age of 50 our country is experiencing right now, but that is for another blog. Thanks for commenting.</p>
<p>@Amy A. I wanted to comment on yours separately because you provide a perfect example of what I am saying a person should do. They take something less ideal, maybe a part time position, and continue to search while they do so. The situation isn't great, but you can't give up. I have some serious thoughts on the waste of the talent over the age of 50 our country is experiencing right now, but that is for another blog. Thanks for commenting.</p> @Kelly. Thanks for your comme…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2014-02-08:502551:Comment:17878272014-02-08T05:16:26.442ZAmy McDonaldhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AmyMcDonald368
<p>@Kelly. Thanks for your comment as well. Perhaps the trend is just in my particular network. I knew the use of the word lazy was going to get some push back, because I do believe there are those that can truthfully answer, "No, I'm not becoming lazy in my job search." For those that can, I salute you, because after 6 months I can absolutely see myself falling victim to things that would pull my focus from being serious about a job search. I've been fortunate to not experience that. 1.7…</p>
<p>@Kelly. Thanks for your comment as well. Perhaps the trend is just in my particular network. I knew the use of the word lazy was going to get some push back, because I do believe there are those that can truthfully answer, "No, I'm not becoming lazy in my job search." For those that can, I salute you, because after 6 months I can absolutely see myself falling victim to things that would pull my focus from being serious about a job search. I've been fortunate to not experience that. 1.7 Million Americans aren't lazy. That is just silly. But it can happen, and for those, I hope they benefit from the post.</p> I can see where you think you…tag:recruitingblogs.com,2014-02-08:502551:Comment:17876942014-02-08T05:01:50.171ZAmy McDonaldhttps://recruitingblogs.com/profile/AmyMcDonald368
<p>I can see where you think you know my situation based on looking at my LinkedIn profile, Matt. You're good at what you do, and people count on your ability to read between the lines. This time, I'm afraid it is you that are dead wrong and I feel that I must defend myself against the accusation of being a hypocrite. You are correct that I took a few years off after working since age 9 and classify that period as a homemaker. What I would tell you in an interview is that I made the decision to…</p>
<p>I can see where you think you know my situation based on looking at my LinkedIn profile, Matt. You're good at what you do, and people count on your ability to read between the lines. This time, I'm afraid it is you that are dead wrong and I feel that I must defend myself against the accusation of being a hypocrite. You are correct that I took a few years off after working since age 9 and classify that period as a homemaker. What I would tell you in an interview is that I made the decision to leave the work force because I had a child with a number of serious medical issues and that if we were to decide to work together you should be aware that while his condition had greatly improved and I felt comfortable returning to the work force, I will always be a mother first and an executive second. I did not pursue the position I currently hold, I was recruited. In fact, I didn't even put a resume together.I had to spiff up my LinkedIn page after I took the job! I had been contacted by several recruiters during the time I was not working, including a great opportunity at a Fortune 100 company with some serious staffing issues at a plant about an hour from my home. Logistically, I could not consider despite the incredible salary it offered. However, it was not until I had an offer to lead some websites that I had consulted on through a previous role that my interest was sparked. The company was willing to present an ideal work situation for me as they promote remote offices and I just could not turn it down. My employer chose my title. I get a base salary plus a bonus just like most others in my situation. I don't own these companies, I just work for them.</p>
<p>Please let me mention that I do have had two situations in my career where I have been unemployed. One due to relocation and the other when my company closed its doors. Both times, I used the advice I offered in my article and found myself employed within a month. In both circumstances I started at a salary significantly lower than the one I had been in and grew my earnings by proving my worth within the first year. I'm not trying to brag here, but to get one of those positions, I literally dressed in a suit and walked in every store in the Greenwood Park Mall to ask if they were accepting applications. I got a position at Glamour Shots for $6.00/hour draw to draw customers in to the store saying "Pick a color, win a prize!". True story. Swear!</p>
<p>So now that I've told EVERYONE way more than they ever cared to know, let me say this: I think that perhaps you missed my point in this article, and I suspect you are not alone. I'll clarify here The point I am attempting to make is that when you are long-term unemployed and you find yourself getting lazy you have to snap out of it. In some cases you may have to decide whether you want to go on Welfare or work for what someone called slave wages. You must take a long hard look at what you are doing and say is there ANYTHING else I can do? What have I missed? Should I pound the pavement again? Should I invest a little in something that I never would have 6 months ago? You have to ask yourself if your motivation is holding you back from moving forward. That's my take. Keep commenting to me Matt. Do you still think I'm dead wrong. Would you really not agree that at 6months its time to take a look at what one can do differently in their search to re-engage?</p>