What is wrong with today's employers?

[melissa15531]

My husband has pretty much been unemployed for 2 years now. He has worked a seasonal job for 2 months last year and might be recalled for 5 months this year. Anyway he has applied to at least 50 or more jobs online and in person with no interviews or anything. One huge trash company which is 8 miles from our home is hiring for 3 positions, all of which he is qualified to do. He applied online like they tell you to and then they email you and say they are looking at other candidates. Ok then weeks go by and they are still advertising these same positions so the hubby goes to the location and talks to a human resource person who gives him a number to call. The person on the line says they don't know why he did not get a phone call or interview and just keep reapplying every six months. My husband and I are so depressed over this. Why are employers like this? What do they expect from people? All my husband wants is a job and no one will give him a fair shake.

[Seeker]

hmmm. double posted.

[Seeker]

For every position there's a huge mass of people applying for that job, qualified or not.

If the majority of the interaction has to be web-based (ie the submittal of a job application and attaching a letter upfront -- cover letter), then I would recommend that he takes his resume and cover letter and have it screened/modified.

If he is qualified and these documents do not stand out, then that could be part of the problem -- he needs to get "noticed."

The cover letter is a chance to introduce yourself, say what you are looking for and why you wish to be a part of that company--- it needs to be modified for each and every position he applies for.

If he can reseach the company beforehand and add a phrase in that cover letter about what that company is doing, and that he'd maybe like to be part of it, and how he'd like to be part of it... that could form interest.

Never skip a cover letter. A resume is just a form / history. A one page cover letter addressed to what that specific company is about, might probably get him an interview or several.

[Shewillbemine]

Sounds like he IS getting a fair shake. That's how things are right now. You have no idea if 350 people applied to the same position. HR barely answers its own employees let alone applicants. He should be aggressive in his follow-ups but NICE in how he does it. I wasn't there when he approached HR so I can't tell if he gave off the wrong impression.

[marvholly]

It is quite probable that the company, like almost ALL others, looks at your husband's previous salary/earnings and decides thay would MUCH rather hire someone w/little/no experience at minimum wage than hire someone w/5/10/20 years experience who could actually do a GOOD job much faster & more competently and pay a livable wage.

[khosta]

Why doesn't he apply other places? I understand he may really want this job but in the mean time I would be applying to other places too... especially because they are in no rush to hire it seems. Don't just settle! Keep looking!

[muexm]

He really needs to increase his networking skills. Internet job hunting websites like career building and monster are almost a complete waste of time these days. He needs to come up with a specific job hunting plan and focus on the companies in the area (or out of area)he wants to work for. Then he needs to tell everyone that he knows that he is looking for a job and do they know anyone who works for XYZ Inc. Network, Network, Network. Mass online job hunting campaings are mostly a complete waste of time these days, and large corporate HR departments probably only review about 2-5% of the online resume's that they recieve.

[jpg7n16]

Originally Posted by khosta

Why doesn't he apply other places? I understand he may really want this job but in the mean time I would be applying to other places too... especially because they are in no rush to hire it seems. Don't just settle! Keep looking!

Originally Posted by melissa15531

...Anyway he has applied to at least 50 or more jobs online and in person with no interviews or anything...

I think he is trying, just unable to find anything right now.

I'd still send in the resume, and call to check up on it every so often.

[NolaP]

Keep your heads up - it took me six interviews and a year to find my job, and I consider myself very lucky. My brother joined the military at almost 40 years old after not finding work for three years, and he is doing great now. And my other brother just found a job after a year and a half of searching after graduating from Cornell with an MBA. The best thing to do these days is to reach out to everyone you know, and everyone they know, and continue networking, networking, networking. There are so many people going through this same kind of thing right now. Good luck!!!

[snafu]

Most jobs are never advertised. A huge percentage of jobs are 'wired,' to be filled by a current employee or on recommendation from a current employee. It's ok to make an appointment with a Human Resource staff member to talk about what qualifications you might need to 'strengthen.' it one way to get on their radar.

When applying for a specific position, try to use the same words as in the ad to explain qualifications. These days a clerk screens applications before they ever get to a decision maker. Make it easy to get on their preferred list.

Can DH find a no cost resume/cover letter course @ library or community hall?

[bjl584]

The short answer is nothing. They are tightening their belts just as individuals have had to do. When they do hire, they are taking their time to find the very best candidates to invest their money in, and they are faced with interviewing a huge number of applicants due to the high unemployment rate.

[jeffmem]

Employers are like that because they can be. With the economy in the shape it's in, they don't really care. They need people, but not that desperately, there are more people looking for jobs then their are jobs, so...

And I agree with the above poster, they are looking for people who they want to hire, perhaps your husband should play around with his resume a little. It might help, I don't know. They are looking for the best people for the job. It's that simple.

[KennySoward]

I think it is probably a combination of things, most of which have already been covered by the posters here.

Ultimately, though, he has to continue to try because, as the saying goes; you cannot win if you take yourself out of the game. Continuously work on the resume(s); create each resume specific to the job in question.

Also, he may have to take something that he is overqualified for, like a night watchman or (EGADS!) fast food. In my opinion, any work is good work, and I have taken my own lumps working for minimum wage (part time side jobs) even though I have a Graduate degree.

Tell him to keep his head up. If he is a hard worker, he will find work.

[dbstylee]

people are lazy by nature...managing people is the worst part of any job