How many of you know people with college and Master's degrees who are unemployed? Keys to getting a job may not fit the old locks we once knew, those of passing the SAT, graduating from college, succeeding in panel interviews, and coming out clean after peeing in a cup.
Some are finding that you have to personally know the company president to gain employment; but more than ever, it's not who you know, but what exam or employment screen you can pass.
Now companies have implemented employment screening ranging from PMI certification exams, to Edison Electric Institute employment testing, to Validex LLC and General Information services. There are so many people out of work, some say, that we have to have a firm, institutionalized, weeding-out process!
Most would agree that some jobs should require special training and certifications, such as those needed in medical or engineering professions, but should a person with a college degree wishing to get a grocery cashier position have to take an exam to see whether they are employable or not?
What does that say about the college preparation process and the amount of money students go into debt in order to receive a college diploma? What does it take to make enough money to buy a loaf of bread these days, or must one resort to Bernie Madoff-like escapades?
Should a kid who made a mistake at age 17 and has a felony conviction because he could not afford a good lawyer be denied a job? Once a felon, you are convicted for life. Is this just another way to screen folks out of existence (genocide), for without a job, you are nothing! I know all about the line of making bad choices, but even Messiahs forgive.
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Several of the points shared in the article are truly part of the process in securing job these days. Now for some good news! The U.S. Dept of Labor is aware of many of these issues now. And has begun program that will help solve this via application & Jobs post in State Dept of Labor office via the postings. Meaning, if you are able to find something that fits your skill set, some of this madness won't be an issue at all. Also, this summer the Obama Admin has already secured what is being called Summer Jobs Plus, for 16 to 24 years of age. These jobs will no just be for the summer months, but be continued interns and full-time positions. At this writing, 250K jobs are confirmed. So it is going to get better!
ReplyDeleteDoug Williams wrote:
ReplyDeleteWell, Racism, "classism", sexism and all the other -isms are certainly in full effect in America. Even the common practice of obtaining a credit bureau report as a condition of employment is outrageous. We the people actually have the ability to put an end to these practices, but we have been fooled into believing we are powerless against the corporations. Sure, they could simply outsource the jobs abroad, but it's being done anyway.Good old American ingenuity and individualism is the key. We have to find the same entrepreneurial spirit our forefathers had and create our own employment.
The so-called educational system in America is a scam! They do not educate, they indoctrinate. The universities seem to only prepare the student to keep an organized desk and follow instructions to the letter. Most recent college grads don't seem to be capable of critical thought.
Sir Richard Branson of Virgin is a drop out, Wally Famous Amos, Henry Ford, Sean Combs, none finished college and are or were wildly successful. Wow!
To add to this, I think that the best advice that you can give the unemployed or the homeless is to not to give up and to stay focused on what they want for themselves and out of life. Dreams and desires cannot be gained unless someone truely yearns for them and gives a lot of effort. Most people who go to an interview or job screening already have discouraged themselves from getting the job and have given up on their wants and dreams. One must find what would lead to their personal success and live to achieve it.
ReplyDeleteGreat article.
Shelli wrote: Happy New Year Tomi !
ReplyDeleteYou're lookin' great and doing great things ! I am so proud of all you have accomplished...but not at all surprised. You glow girl !!!!!
Being an IT consultant, you have to always stay on top of your game. If you are currently in a job you are not happy with, you have to remember to not talking about it at all or leave the negative aspects out altogether when asked about certain aspects of that job or your netative thoughts will eventually come out in an interview.
ReplyDeleteEmployers use behaviorial questions to intice you to talk so they can weed out whom they think are undesirable, so don't talk too much. Make a bullet point list with talking time limits to keep you on track if you have a phone screening interview. Never turn down an interview, as it usually takes 5-7 interviews to land just one job!
Companies nowadays really don't have to hire as many people and they make the ones they have work harder. These people are required to wear many hats and be technically oriented at the same time. Office automation has replaced a lot of legacy job functions, and the rate of automation is constantly rising.
We have to seriously think about what people are going to do who can't keep up with the technological snowball that is driving our world. Education is getting further out of reach for the masses. You can see education budgets are the first to get cut while college tuition costs double. There are too many people, not enough jobs and too much consumption and waste. The rich and big corporations are only creating more wealth for themselves and nevermind they are the ones lobbying for their own agendas.
Hey, nice site you have here! Keep up the excellent work!
ReplyDeletePMI Certification