Jobseeker Chronicles: The Untold Stories
Gaile Sweeney MBA, MPH, PMP, NLP
Career & Life Strategist || ??Everything GOD. ?? Helping you close the gap between WHERE YOU ARE and WHERE YOU COULD BE ?? Career & Life
Every Hiring Manager Needs To Hear
Jobseekers face a myriad of challenges that often go unnoticed by hiring managers. As a hiring manager, it is crucial to understand the hidden struggles that candidates go through in order to make informed decisions and create a more inclusive hiring process. In this article, we will explore the various obstacles faced by jobseekers and provide insights to help you better understand their experiences.
?The Unemployment Gap: A Stifling Barrier
Jobseekers often encounter a significant gap in employment due to various reasons such as layoffs, career breaks, or job market fluctuations. This gap can pose a major hurdle for candidates, as it is often misconstrued as a lack of ambition or competence. It is important for hiring managers to recognize that a gap in employment may not reflect a candidate's true potential or abilities.
?The Skills Mismatch Conundrum
Another challenge that jobseekers face is the mismatch between their skills and the requirements of available job positions. Technological advancements and rapidly evolving industries often leave jobseekers with outdated or inadequate skill sets. It is crucial for hiring managers to consider transferrable skills, potential for growth, and the ability to adapt to new challenges when evaluating candidates.
?The ATS Paradox
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have become a common tool used by companies to streamline their hiring processes. However, these systems can unintentionally filter out qualified candidates due to their heavy reliance on specific keywords and formatting. This overemphasis on technicalities can be detrimental to the selection process, leading to the exclusion of potentially great candidates.
?Overcoming Bias and Discrimination:? Unconscious Bias: The Hidden Barrier
Unconscious bias is a pervasive obstacle that both jobseekers and hiring managers need to address. Preconceived notions based on race, gender, age, or other factors can influence decision-making, leading to unfair treatment in the hiring process. By raising awareness, implementing diversity training, and utilizing blind hiring techniques, hiring managers can mitigate the impact of unconscious bias and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
?Discrimination Against Older Jobseekers
?Ageism is a common form of discrimination that older jobseekers often face. Hiring managers may hesitate to consider older candidates, assuming they lack technological proficiency or may retire soon. However, it is essential to recognize the value and experience that mature candidates bring to the table. By embracing age diversity, companies can tap into a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
?Addressing Mental Health Challenges: The Mental Health Stigma
Jobseekers, like any other individuals, may struggle with mental health issues that can impact their job search. Anxiety, depression, and other conditions can make the process more challenging. Creating a supportive environment, emphasizing work-life balance, and offering mental health resources can go a long way in attracting and retaining talented candidates.
?Imposter Syndrome: A Hidden Struggle
Imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon among jobseekers, regardless of their qualifications and achievements. It refers to an internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud, leading to self-doubt and decreased confidence. As a hiring manager, it is important to recognize imposter syndrome and provide reassurance and support to candidates.
Understanding the hidden struggles of jobseekers is crucial for hiring managers to create a more inclusive and effective hiring process. By acknowledging and addressing the challenges of unemployment gaps, skills mismatch, ATS limitations, bias and discrimination, and mental health issues, hiring managers can create an environment that welcomes and appreciates the diverse talents and experiences of jobseekers. Taking these steps will not only result in better hiring decisions but also contribute to a more equitable job market.
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Gaile Sweeney MBA, MPH, PMP, NLP is a Career Brand and Life Strategist and Author, who transforms individuals' life and career journey with her expert strategies and solutions for their personal and professional growth.
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9 个月Thanks for posting.
Executive Director at Pine Belt Multi-Purpose CAA, Inc.
9 个月Excellent newsletter outlining valuable tips and tools! The article has given me a new perspective on the employment gap on candidates’ resume. Sometimes life does what it does preventing people from being diligent in job searches. Thanks for expounding on the many possibilities - some that I had never considered due to my limited view. Exceptional writing Gaile Sweeney MBA, MPH, PMP, NLP!!!