Mark,

I recently read your article, “A Letter from a Baffled Hiring Manager – Part 2.”

The article does point out certain aspects that employers are wanting; however, it just continues underlining the impossibility of compliance for job seekers with employers’ terribly unreal expectations.

Employers are conveniently forgetting that the job seeker has already been put through a long-term, grueling mill of on-going deceit; unkept promises; verbal abuse during interviews; and shown little, if any, respect for the job applicant during this time-consuming and time-wasting job application and interviewing process.

I don’t really see how most people can obtain employment at this time.  The bar is being placed unrealistically high and is already cutting off a sizeable majority of American workers.  We need Unions and protection, now; instead of 1-2 years’ worth of being unemployed.>What employers want, are simply robots or computers.  I’m not sold on the article and all the others like it.

Disappointingly yours,

-KH

And in Response…You Need to Read this!

Dear KH,

Thanks for reading the article. It shows you are interested in finding effective strategies for gaining employment. That is a good sign. I do hear your frustration.

I can tell you that every applicant that responds to a job ad I have placed is sent an acknowledgement that I have received their resume, that it will be reviewed carefully and what they can expect regarding any next steps.

It doesn’t make sense to me to ever treat a perspective employee poorly. My goal is to ensure that any new employee feels supported and encouraged to succeed. I would not want to risk loosing the chance to hire a qualified employee by being disrespectful. Doing so is not in my best interest or that of the company’s.

I do have to confess that I am somewhat baffled by your comments:

“…impossibility of compliance for job seekers with employers’ terribly unreal expectations”

Are you saying that it is impossible (defined as 1. Incapable of having existence or of occurring. 2. Not capable of being accomplished) for an applicant:

  • To check their work for correct spelling and grammar.
  • To take 5-10 minutes to review a company’s website.
  • To read the job description, requirements and qualifications that the employer has posted to
    make sure they are qualified and have the experience required.
  • To write two short paragraphs that concretely show why you believe you can do the job we are asking you to do if hired.
  • To demonstrate a positive, can-do attitude.

These tasks hardly seem like “the bar is being placed unrealistically high.”

Would you have told a teacher in high school or college that having to submit work that was correct and accurate was an unrealistic demand? That even though you got 12 test questions wrong you should still receive an “A” grade?

I grant you that not all recruiters are respectful. However, in a way, knowing up front that the company you are applying to hasn’t made the effort to treat you well is a huge red flag for you – this isn’t a company you want to work for. Indeed, it is that company’s loss and your gain. And, there is another silver lining to be found…

If the employer has hired an outside recruiter, they may not know that the recruiters are treating applicants poorly. Even worse if it is an internal recruiter. Imagine how placing a call directly to the company to let them know your experience (in factual, calm terms) might trigger a positive response from that employer because a) you took extra time to help them do a better job, and b) demonstrated a commitment to quality. That call may well get you the interview you would never have gotten otherwise. A diplomatic email to the president or CEO may result in a similar outcome.

In the end, you have no control over another’s behavior. You do however have complete control over your own behavior and feelings. You have the power to make changes and alter outcomes. You can choose to let the frustrations and challenges get the better of you or you can decide that achieving your goal (gaining employment) is your number one priority and commit yourself to applying your best efforts.

Frankly, it is your choice to ignore “the article and all the others like it.” Even though this article and others like it are written by the very people telling you exactly how they expect you to behave in order to win the job.

Know that by ignoring advice from qualified individuals you drastically reduce your chances of finding employment. I wrote these articles to help job seekers. Note: I don’t get paid nor is there anything I want from readers in return.

How about trying to meet the requirements of accuracy, attention to detail and an interest in the company with whom you hope to spend time long term. Applicants are not entitled to a job simply because they want it and sent in a half completed shoddy application. They have to earn the job. (If that means you apply to fewer companies, so be it. Quality over quantity!)

I truly hope that the despondency and frustration I hear in your letter is a passing phase and that somehow you will find a way to overcome the disappointment you are feeling. Once you do, I think you will have more success in your job/career search.

All the best,

Mark