Bad economy = better job applicants

John - Phoenix — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:56:20 GMT

It is an interesting comment "none of the people we hired are even with us anymore". If you hire overqualified candidates (i.e., a former restaurant manager going back to being a server) they probably won't stick around long once the economy turns around.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Rick, NC — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:15:49 GMT

I've seen the same thing...used to be an electronics tech ad brought me every loser who thought they were a "technician" of some sort...now i get people who are qualified and have reasonable expectations

Bad economy = better job applicants

Victor, San Antonio, TX — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:29:45 GMT

I absolutely agree that the talent pool is incredible for businesses looking to fill positions.

I have a small start-up Thrift Store. I recently placed an ad on Craigslist for a Thrift Store Manager and received close to 60 applicants. I just hired someone that previously managed a Second-Hand store in another state. She comes with tons of experience and excellent ideas.

The applicants that I did not select for the position had anywhere from 0 years to 25+ years of retail experience. Many of these same applicants had Bachelors degrees and several had or were working on a Masters Degree. Incredible times for small business owners and the talent level of applicants out there.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Mike Mc — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:41:13 GMT

Lawyers and doctors serving burgers is not a phenomena I would get too excited about, regardless of the short term benefits afforded to business owners. This is a baaad sign for the economy.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Rob A San Jose, Ca — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:51:31 GMT

This is another example of short sighted business people crowing about how great a bad economy is. Personally, I would not mind all of these types of people going out of business and hope that they have to start looking for work. Then they can feel how it is to be looked at as "not qualified enough" or "far too over qualified to be hired". I hope they all go broke and have to live on the street

Bad economy = better job applicants

James Moline IL — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:33:42 GMT

Rob i think you have some grudge against people for getting ahead in life. I think those people that have better qualifications should get the job over your standard or substandard hire. Just because they MIGHT have been former lawyers or whatever does not mean that they deserve to be on the streets during the rough time. No one deserves that fate. As for what this all boils down to is this is a bad sign of what is to come, even if the economy goes back up, businesses are going to continue to want that person with the better resume. Remember where a high school diploma was enough to get you into a good paying job.. well those days are gone.. that will be enough to get you a burger flipping job and maybe into a few other places... people are soon going to prefer only those with a two year degree or higher. Just wait.. you will see it.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Chrissy, Walla Walla, WA — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:14:21 GMT

James - Don't knock burger flipping jobs or next time you go to the drive through you might get turned away. If you are willing to acctually work (something white people seem to think is beneath them) and have that high school diploma, you can get a good job...just not a banking or doctor job.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Benjamin L, Madison, WI — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:10:57 GMT

Chrissy - first, I am surprised that your comment even got through the screen, if there really is one. Second, I happen to be white, have TWO jobs, AND go to college. I had some "good" jobs when all I had was a high school diploma, but not only did I not enjoy those jobs, or feel fulfilled on a personal level, but the plain fact of the matter is those jobs that were once considered "good" just aren't any more. With the accessibility of college these days, and the sheer numbers of people attending, those without some sort of degree are, often quite literally, being left out in the cold.

I also think this is a bad sign for the economy in general, but a great thing for small business owners. The time will come when the economy will turn around again, and all those "over-qualified" people will seek and find jobs they ARE qualified for. So enjoy it while it lasts.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Don Smith — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:04:06 GMT

It's sad to see these comments, while ignoring the truth behind the article. Even good, qualified candidates won't get hired- they have to be pretty exceptional to find a job in this market and the few people who are hiring are cherry-picking only from the best ones... this is depressing.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Kevin T, Albuquerque, NM — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:36:58 GMT

Remember, there are two sides to everything. Although it is a good thing from the perspective of the small business owner, most are aware that they will have a tough time keeping these exceptional employees when the economy picks up and know they will need to hire lower quality replacements. Having been a small business owner myself, and also having been unemployed before due to economic problems with a previous employer (due to 9/11), I have seen both sides of the coin.

Bad economy = better job applicants

frustrated, NorthCentral, Pennsylvania — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:17:38 GMT

In my area there has been a growing trend of hiring less qualified individuals (high school diploma) all in the name of businesses saving some money on their payroll and leaving all of the actually qualified individuals out in the cold (the ones with the college degrees)I have even been on several interviews where I was asked in plain english whether "I was responsible for small children at home"..."if I did I was not going to be hired" the last time I checked I thought that discrimination of this type was not aloud under labor and industry law.To many hiring managers are taking advantage of the economic situation with no consequences.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Dean Regazzi, Kenosha, Wisconsin — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 00:12:21 GMT

I haven't seen anyone address this important issue: companies with well qualified (educated and/or experienced) personnel should never let these employees go in the first place. Especially if they have been with the employer for some time and much is invested in them. These are the highest "value added" individuals whom can help the struggling companies turn around, with innovative ideas and means to become more efficient in all facets of the business. It's "free agency" time now, so if any size business has the good fortune to stumble upon a highly qualified applicant, acquire that person, pay them what they are worth, and don't let them go. Make it worth their time to stay and help YOUR company become the leader in its line of business. You either pay now, or pay later. Quality costs, but who is willimg to pay?

Bad economy = better job applicants

Paresh, Kolk, WB — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:42:53 GMT

Yes, good time for the small entrepreneurs. They should cash in and look to gain maximum from the talent pool approaching them for work which would otherwise be quite unapproachable. They should look to use their experience not to get your work done in a mundane manner but to enhance their competitiveness in their line of business. For the fresh graduates tough time ahead.

Bad economy = better job applicants

James, Charlotte, NC — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:41:46 GMT

I have a bachelor's degree in accounting with 5 years of experience. I got laid off, and after three months and 17 interviews I could not get a job in my field. I was getting edged out for bookkeeper jobs by candidates with 20+ years of experience. I have taken a minimum wage job as a janitor just to keep up the house payment. When

Bad economy = better job applicants

no christmas cheer, WI — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:28:58 GMT

I agree with Mr. Smith and the sadder part is the "more qualified" individuals that do get hired are being offered a slap in the face salary. My fiance is an unemployed engineer with 10+ years experience. He's actually thinking of working at a local warehouse because the work to pay ratio is better than what companies want to pay for a college educated man with experience in his career. I am soon to be unemployed myself, I just hope we don't have to join not only the "unemployed" statistics but also the foreclosure statistics.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Jimmy — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 22:36:45 GMT

Yes, incredible times to hire overqualified applicants and underpay them. Don't expect these people to hang around when the economy turns around. Why would they?

Bad economy = better job applicants

Gayle, Madison, Wisconsin — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 02:47:45 GMT

As someone who works in HR just want to add that just because someone has a college degree and/or interviews well does not guarantee they are the best qualified or will be a good employee -- I've personally seen too many employees who are college grads and/or those who impress supervisors in the interview who end up being bad employees!!

Bad economy = better job applicants

chachi, OC, Calif. — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 21:48:32 GMT

Overqualified candidates won't just wait until the economy turns around. They will leave as quickly as another job that pays better comes around! They are waiting for it every second...

Bad economy = better job applicants

Carl Sjalund, La Mirada, CA — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 02:07:49 GMT

This message is for Dean R...
The fact that companies let very good employees go is not at all uncommon while at the same time keeping those who are idiots. It happened to me. Being a free-agent is probably what we will all wind up doing sooner than anyone thinks.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Elizabeth — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:11:24 GMT

As a human resources professional, it is thrilling to have applicants who can spell, add, and have the life skills to even successfully complete an application. Common sense is not that common when you begin reviewing applications which are incomplete; the individual has jumped from one position to another; or the applicant has absolutely no interviewing skills (i.e. inappropriately dressed). The market has now changed from an applicant market to an employer market. That is a fact. In some industries, such as the restaurant business, turnover is part of the nature of the beast. My division (not a restaurant) leads the region in the lowest turnover figures. Hiring over qualified people does not necessarily mean that these teammates will leave for "greener pastures." The almighty dollar is not the number one motivator. I have seen this all too many times. I have hired applicants which have college degrees in entry level positions who love their job. On the other hand, I have seen teammates who decide to leave and within a week or two beg to come back. The crucial element in an interview is not only is the applicant a good fit for the individual, but as important is the organization a place where the individual can utilize the knowledge, skills, and abilities to further themselves and the organization. If this element is not realized, in good times and in bad, the relationship will not flourish for either party.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Jim, MO — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:12:46 GMT

Chrissy,
My what a little bigot you are. Check the statistics, little girl. Racially, a higher percentage of the people sitting on the porch and waiting for a government welfare check are not white. Obviously, you aren't either...

Bad economy = better job applicants

Piensa — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:59:38 GMT

This is something that in the end will come back to hurt those that are taking advantage of the situation. As the economy turns, those that are being abused will be quick to leave for their rightful position. Those that treat their employees well will do ok, and be able to keep those that may have been slightly more qualified for the position. They would be smart to elevate that person as positions open up, which is probably the hope for those applying for positions that they are over qualified for.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Piensa, Tampa, FL — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:36:43 GMT

Bad economy = better job applicants

Arnold Chavez, Edinburg, Texas — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 05:59:40 GMT

Any good business leader knows that good people are good for business. And weeding out who performs and who doesnt is not done in a lean times it is done through consistantly measuring performance and providing education and training where required. The development of human capital is one of the most cost effective resources many companies already have but few take advantage of until it is too late. Those who do will thrive and those who haven't can't.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Arnold Chavez, Edinburg, Texas — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 06:06:35 GMT

Any good business leader knows that good people are good for business. And weeding out who performs and who doesnt is not done in lean times it is done through consistantly measuring performance and providing education and training where required. The development of human capital is one of the most cost effective resources many companies already have but few take advantage of until it is too late. Those who do will thrive and those who haven't can't.

Bad economy = better job applicants

J. Hicks — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:18:29 GMT

Gayle from Madison, Wisconsin - interesting observation. From an employee perspective, I've personally worked for too many "supervisors" who portray a job one way, and then the actual job turns out to be nothing like it was advertised as. A perspective employee deserves to be given a fair and reasonable job description and a set of expectations for the job, and expect that the actual job was truthfully represented. It's just as difficult to decide upon a job from an employee perspective as it is to decide upon who to hire. Selecting a job to accept is basically a crap shoot. You never really know what you're walking into until you do - and then you're stuck.

You talk of bad employees - what about bad managers and supervisors. Here too, with over 20 years of work experience and two college degrees, I have yet to meet a qualified manager or supervisor. What I have met are folks who got where they are because they either were "groomed" by a higher up or because the higher up was incompetent themself.

I hope the economic downturn weeds out incompetent management. The work environment of today pales in comparison to that of 20 years ago. There was a time in this country where employees and employers alike were loyal to one another. A person was not just "layed off", "off shored", or "terminated" at a whim. A person could reasonably expect to accept a position, get what they bargained for, have the opportunity to excel, and "work out" any issues that might arise.

Corporate America changed over the past two decades. It became an "easy come, easy go" environment. The resulting environment is a "dog eat dog" mentality, no loyalty in either direction, and low employee morale. It's just plain ole' depressing no matter where you go anymore. How I yearn for the "good ole' days".

Bad economy = better job applicants

Dale Mobile, AL — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:36:56 GMT

Part of the probelm is that large chain companies do not know how to make smart, efficient, business decisions that directly impact their business in a positive way. In other words there is simply too much bureacy and corporate "groupthink," going on. Most CEO's of fortune 500 companies have never called thier own support help line. I can remember (I am 30 now) when I tried to get a job working for Circuit City in 1997 after I graduated from high school. I was told I was not "professional," enough to make it in this cut-throat world where salesmen routinely made as much as 50k a year or more selling appliances and electronic items. After years of losing sales to Home Depot, Lowes, and Sam's Club; Circuit City stopped selling large appliances. What hurt Circuit City is having too much of the wrong product (oversupply) and a downturn in the economy. Best Buy is another classic example. How many times have I gone into Best Buy to buy something simple only to find out that Best Buy is out of a particular item? Has anyone ever tried to return an item to Best Buy? Please stand in line and one of our excellant employees will assist you - in 30 minutes. So, while waiting you look up in the ceiling and see all of these awards that this particular store has won. How bad does a particular Best Buy have to be not to win a customer service award? I have even had sign language interpreter who work in Best Buy try to "help me out." I am not deaf but mildly hard-of-hearing. Imagine my frustration with a company that has a bureacratic online job application system. I am shocked that no one has sued the bejesus out of Best Buy and other companies over thier hiring practices. I am not good at personality tests. I am an honest person who tells the truth and tries very hard to be a team player while doing all I can to do the best for myself. The only way to know whether or not an employee is going to be an excellant candidate for a company is for someone in HR to interview the potential new-hires. The people who work in HR must be honest, hard-working, people who believe in the value of hard work and integrity. Otherwise, the choices that HR makes in it's hiring decision will be reflected within the company. The amount of dishonesty on the part of job-applicants is truly mind-blowing. I have gone back to school to finish up my diploma in professional photpgraphy. In the meantime, I am going to start volunteering in my chosen career path. (B.S in social work.) Keep the faith, pray, and hang in there folks. Times may get rough but, they can only truly get better. Remember, Donald Trump was ruined finacially. He staged a major comeback and there are so many people who think the world of "The Don ," for his hard-work, determination, and perserverance.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Susan Brown — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:33:29 GMT

I started my own business two years ago because I saw this coming. I think we're definately going to see more mom and pops in the future. The scenerio of seeing a few people in a garage or dorm room cooking up a business is something people will start to consider more and more. I'd like to see more women team up with other women to do this. It's going to be especially tough on women. The man in charge of hiring is going to hire other men, or a women if she's hot. But middle aged or homely women are going to see a long, lonely road ahead. More women starting more business' will mean more women having a chance to work. Don't sit back and be passive and wait for men to start business' and expect them to hire you, ladies. Stop the passivity and gossiping and frittering your time with shopping and soap operas and start something on your own. Learn to work with other women instead of being jealous and competitive with them while kissing up to men.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Caleb, albany, Oregon — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:57:54 GMT

I'm sixteen and I work for a Hungarian restaurant in the valley. Right now the economy is going threw tough times. Most of the employees at my work have gotten their days and hours reduced(not to their advantage). Although I'm still in school and only a teenager, I've noticed that everyone is going threw tough times(even employers) Hang in their and work hard.

Bad economy = better job applicants

Keri Tampa Bay, FL — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:55:36 GMT

I'm just recently seeing a higher quality candidate pool and even then it is slim. I have hired several people in the past year that either did not bother to work the first day or worked for 1 day and no showed on day 2. This is not a difficuly work environment, I'm talking about either. Its a team environment with comaraderie and lots of pleasant down time in between clients. The main trend I've seen, is candidates taking on multiple jobs whether than can fulfill the requirements and then leaving for the highest paying. I find this outrageously irresponsible. There appears to be no expectation of workign toward anything or putting your time in. Its like "OK wheres my pay check." I've had to continuely lower the bar and work with minimal staff. The great news is that the staff that have stayed are well trained, well compensated, happy, and take an ownership role in the overall success of the business.

I'd like to know what happened to basic job skills and curtesy. Perhaps the economy will teach us (as a society) to stop looking for the get rich quick scheme and we will return to doing an honest days work for an honest wage.