Unemployed Job Applicants Are Turned Away Automatically

If you are currently looking for a job, you’re probably aware that it’s an employer’s market right now. There are many potential employees for each open position right now. This is making it difficult for recent college graduates, many of whom are likely to move home with their parents as they continue their job search. With many qualified applicants, any blemish in your employment history will cause recruiters to look in a different direction and toss the resume to the bottom of the pile.

One such blemish is a break in employment history. According to CNN Money, recruiters are simply telling unemployed individuals not to bother applying for positions. Online job listings warn applicants that those without a current job will not be considered.

From the article:

“Most executive recruiters won’t look at a candidate unless they have a job, even if they don’t like to admit to it,” said Lisa Chenofsky Singer, a human resources consultant from Millburn, NJ, specializing in media and publishing jobs.

She said when she proposes candidates for openings, the first question she is often asked by a recruiter is if they currently have a job. If the answer is no, she’s typically told the unemployed candidate won’t be interviewed.

This is a bad move; a company can miss an opportunity to hire an excellent candidate who is unemployed through no fault of his or her own.

There is little you can do if you are unemployed other than be willing to take a job that does not fit with your expectations in terms of responsibilities or compensation. The best suggestion is to remain active; use your unemployment to strengthen your skills by taking classes and open up a consulting business in your field and use your connections to work with at least one client.

If you have any experiences with searching for a job while unemployed, feel free to share with other readers at Consumerism Commentary.