It's Your Decision

Employers constantly ask me why it is so difficult to find qualified individuals willing to interview for open job opportunities. One very long time client said something to me recently which has gotten under my skin. He mused that perhaps people have become comfortable or complacent while unable to find a job in their field the last few years and are plain old giving up. We chatted a bit further and he almost convinced me that many among us are discovering how to make do with less and are no longer looking for career jobs, rather they are taking something at a lower earning level without a lot of required skills to pay the very basic bills and not stress out as much as in the past.

Since this discussion, I have pondered this quite extensively. Search engines used to be loaded with highly skilled professionals who were updating their resumes every few months to stay near the top of the list of available candidates. Now, when running an online search, it is quite normal to notice that 75% of the resumes have not been updated in at least 18 months. The first reaction is maybe they found new jobs. Upon calling, I have learned that a lot of people never found something in their field, are doing totally unrelated work, and will only rejoin their field if offered at least the same pay rate as when they were laid off 3-4 years ago. There is much reluctance to give up their current position, even if low paying, to run the risk of being laid off again.

Frankly, our economy has little or no chance of rebounding if we cannot get qualified professionals to fill job openings as business picks up just a bit. If we cannot fill these jobs locally in the near future, companies will have no choice but to farm work out to off shore organizations. Candidates need to realize that companies cannot afford to offer more money than paid in 2008 and, most likely, will need to offer less until business truly turns around.

My conclusion? if you really are serious about jump starting your career, make some sacrifices and take a job in your chosen field regardless of the pay rate. If you do not act soon, chances are you will be left behind when things finally turn around.