According to a recent Bloomberg article, one of the primary reasons behind the high unemployment rate is employers’ inability to find job seekers they want to hire. In other words, the unemployment rate cannot be entirely attributed to financial limitations. Many companies can afford to hire; they simply do not know where to look for qualified candidates. Here are some key reasons why employers are failing to hire:
1. There is a major “skills mismatch” in our society. Employers are having trouble finding candidates with the skills they seek. Many companies do not implement the appropriate sourcing strategies for their target job seekers. In addition, some industries, such as technology, are growing, but relatively few job seekers have the skills necessary for the available positions.
2. The longer a job seeker is unemployed, the more difficult it becomes for the job seeker to find work. Over 40 percent of those unemployed have been looking for work for over 26 weeks. Some employers believe that relevant skills get weaker as time goes on without practicing those skills.
3. Job seekers apply to too many jobs. Frustrated with their searches, job seekers have begun to apply to more jobs, without taking fit into consideration. Cover letters and resumes have become more general, so that they can pertain to a number of opportunities.
As a job seeker, it is important to target relevant positions when searching. As a recruiter, it is important to find efficient and accurate ways to source and sort candidates. Whether you’re on one side of the recruiting process or the other, persistence and precision are key!
Subscribe