Matt Bud made this statement in one of his recent FENG newsletters. For job search candidates, it must certainly feel that way. Here you are, talented, capable, certainly qualified to do the job … and yet, you hear nothing. In fact, the silence is deafening! Ever notice how few people return calls even when they say they will? You never do that, right?
Back to the asylum. It’s a new era; one which is defined by A-players who have a compelling and visible marketable value proposition (MVP) and WHO ARE EMPLOYED.
Just today, this article crossed Reuters: “U.S. banks play catch-up on hiring effort.” Great news, right? Until you get to page 2 where it says this:
There is also a bias toward hiring people from other banks that survived the crisis rather than hiring those who lost jobs in the last two years, even if that means matching stock payouts or offering guaranteed bonuses, headhunters say.
The old adage “it’s easier to find a job when you have a job” is still true. Add to that the fact that you have the most power when you are employed. You are more desirable maybe for no other reason than that you are on the inside looking out! More desirable often equates to more dollars.
While we KNOW that CFOs who are unemployed may be just as qualified as an employed CFO, the inmates ARE still in charge and the rules aren’t going to change anytime soon.
Your blog gives credence to “Perception is reality”. It is perceived that those who are employed are more qualified. The real reality might be that one of the unemployed would be a) more qualified; b) more committed to the position; c)be the best choice.
Changing perception is not easy. What can help build the bridge from unemployed to employed is a strong network. Too many executives spend too little time building that network (which is really your net worth) and find themselves afloat w/a good boat and no oars.
You make a great point, Kay. Perhaps that perception exists in large part because of the lack of a strong visible presence online and off. It works the other way, too. You can be the greatest thing since sliced bread but if no one knows about you, does it matter?
My post was to encourage executives to proactively manage their careers rather than be forced to react under the worst of circumstances … being unprepared and totally surprised.
Thanks for posting!