For as long as I can remember, it has been general knowledge that majority of workers do not “love” their jobs. However, they need their jobs and therefore tolerate them in order to make a living. In these tough economic times like we are experiencing, one would think that this phenomenon would even get worse because good wage earning jobs are not plentiful as they use to be. In fact, many studies have found just that—with massive layoffs and cutbacks in the job market, workers are overworked, underpaid, unhappy, feel stuck in undesirable positions and are constantly on the lookout for better opportunities.
Knowing all this, I was flabbergasted when I heard a respected radio station do a show on job search strategies with a somewhat unusual approach—people who land job opportunities are those who are engaging, enthusiastic and demonstrate how badly they want the job. One HR personnel even shared how there were times when she had applicants not show up for second interviews, have bad attitudes or simply not respond to a job offers.
Really? Hmm... what could it be? Could it be that they are way over-qualified and are certain that they would be bored out of their minds in that position after about one week on the job? Oh, how about this—maybe the candidate was a friend of a friend who really didn't want the job in the first place? Just saying...
What is the new average time it takes for people unemployed to get a job? Research shows anywhere from 7.5 months and greater, with an average of 6 job seekers competing for every job opening. Of course research shows that it is even worse for populations considered to be “disadvantaged.” Speaking to that, I know of people who have been looking for work for about two years now. The bottom line is that it is taking an awful long time to find suitable jobs that meet personal satisfaction.
So, call me crazy but I think recruiters should know better. Do they know what marathons most candidates have to run before getting a “door” finally opened? Please give people a break to catch their breath! There are many ways to evaluate a candidate than their seemingly “love” for the job. Seriously.
Okay, so while I'm seething over all this talk about job seekers not enthusiastic enough to meet recruiters' precious expectations, out of nowhere my boss asked me if I am enjoying my new “part-time position,” which I had had for about a “moment.” The question was so unexpected that I was slow to answer. I don't even remember what I said—it wasn't yes or no. I think I said something like I'm getting the hang of it. Not very long after that conversation, a co-worker who had somehow learned about it, came back to me and said that my boss might be a bit worried that I may not like my job! Really?
What ever happened to “effectively meeting the expectations of the job requirements in a timely manner?” Since when did loving your job become a requirement for hire?
Sign of the times? Go figure!
