Just thoughts-Discrimination...when will we really accept diversity?
I have something on my mind that I would like to share. I have read many post concerning individuals that believe that the hiring decision which may have caused an offer to not be received was based on discrimination-age, race, gender, etc. So, my question, How many of us would be able to accept the truth if the reason that you were not hired was based on discrimination without wanting to place a complaint against the organization? Truth be told it does exist and it does happen! At some point in time we all may be a victim; knowingly or unknowingly. Yes, there are laws in place to provide protection at best. However, there are no test to measure if the employees that are making hiring decisions have any type of discrimination profiling characteristics. I have been in HR for many years. My experience and exposure has allowed me to see an organization’s ugly sides as well as the good! I have also been in the candidate pool where I believe the hiring decision included some form of discriminating bias. I must look at human nature! I strongly believe that if we can truly learn the differences in one another and the strengths that diversity offers, this may eliminate some of the discrimination that we encounter. However, until we as human’s change to embrace one another and our differences, discrimination will remain. I would like to see organizations truly take ownership to be sure that the employees that are involved in the hiring decision process have true personal character elements and complete understanding which do not include discrimination, structure the business to include true diversity and be able to promote the benefits of diversity. We all are important.
WOW! This is Big...
The online application takes about 15 min to complete and mobile optimized to make it easier for you to apply with your smartphone. Go to Home Depot Careers and submit your application today!!
Info on the application and follow-up process can be found at Home Depot Careers FAQ. Also, check out the Behind the Apron Series for cool stories about a day in the life @HomeDepot from current employees.
Observation Rants...
In a world that's so business and power driven, it's really disappointing to see (and learn from my own awful experiences) just how bad communication is between employers when it comes to following up after interviews. Whether you're looking for a job or trying to transition out of one (like me) it is said that it's better to find a new job while already having one but I find this to be conflicting at times because some employers have automatic judgments of you before even giving you a chance. You apply for a position that goes into the abyss never knowing if it will be seen let alone if you will get any response. Even automated responses become so irritating because naturally it seems as if an employer didn't even review your resume, and yet you're getting some basic, pointless response telling you in a kind way that you're unwanted. It's not really about accepting "no" when you've been constantly turned down (I can take being told no just fine) it's about the time and effort you put into applying, everything is all done online, you submit your resume, have to edit everything that auto-populates into preset fields, and sometimes go through pointless personality surveys which I still don't understand why these are used anyway, especially if you're an outgoing or strong person who's optimistic and still are denied in the end. You're constantly changing and updating your resume to point out the importance of your skills, and specifically highlight your longevity to show that you are trying to job-hop, but again you're judged for this too. For those that read that fine print "we do not discriminate against age, sex, race, religious background, etc.." is a lie because behind closed doors we are all discriminated, and for those who get an interview show up, play the part, say the right answers are now judged by your appearance or your efforts in how you carry yourself. And god forbid a strong, independent woman try to get ahead in life and you hear responses like "how old are you?", "you're not married, you don't have kids?, how have you been able to get this far in life on your own?" to "you're overqualified", "you're very intelligent but we find you and your current employer to be intimidating so we aren't going to offer you a position because of this...", a never-ending cycle of assumptions that do nothing but become more frustrating over time the more you encounter it.
No response after applying for positions is just as upsetting as receiving a generated rejection email notification, maybe even worse, I say. Meanwhile your professional email is bombarded with constant job boards that all require an account and password, but produce no results with communication. Employers seek someone with good communication but when you attempt this, you're forgotten about or told lies just to avoid the truth about a position. Another frustration is getting recruiters from staffing agencies who either try to toss you in unqualified positions just to fill a role, or often don't want to bother with you because you hold yourself to higher standards and your experience should match a solid pay scale, yet they want to pay barely $15 per hour while overloading you with mountains of work because they know you "need a job" and are desperate for anything at that point. Let's not forget about recruiters that somehow come across your resume and aren't even located in the same city or state as you, and their language barriers make it so hard to trust them, their agency or their efforts of helping you.
The cost of living, medical/housing expenses, gas, etc. increases year after year except your pay. In California it's difficult to live alone and support yourself when the gov't takes every form of tax they can create to make life miserable for you but ensure they get their six figure salary. Just earlier today I got an email from a recruiter regarding a position located in a different city, and one that I'm not qualified for. I sent an email response back expressing my concerns that I don't reside in the city of the listed position and that while I have experience with the position in general, it's not experience that matches their requirements. I got no reply response from this recruiter after I sent my email. I've also noticed these recruiters have really unprofessional email formats, everything is sloppy, misspelled, and I've even had one recruiter request my resume, and then told me he "has to make some changes to it" which I didn't understand why at the time, but learned it was all to incorrectly place me in a position to fill a role (that's a whole different story). I am a very observant person and notice a lot of things when it comes to the world of job-seeking, and the frustrating process that's encountered along the way.
Why We are treated like dirt
Job Seeker Advice: Attitude is Everything
I know that this is a bit of a cliche but I've been reading quite a few posts here in JobCase as well as other professional sites. Many of these posts are from people whom for one reason or another are having difficulty in landing the job (or any job, for that matter). I have nothing but sympathy for these people. I spent about two and half years after taking time off to get my specialized degree looking for work and came up fruitless. If anything, I became discouraged and I felt like there was no hope in sight. I also tried desperately to find out why I couldn't land a job even after nearly hundreds of interviews. It was after nearly three years of searching and I finally landed a job, which would not be my final job nor my final search. The difference now is that in the latter part of three years since, I have not been in a lack of employment. If anything, it has opened the door for other, much greater, opportunities.
When all is said and done, it came down to my attitude. As I mentioned before, I was desperate. I had become utterly disenchanted with the job search and the job market itself. I would take the advice of HR Gurus from all aspects of life. I would tailor my resume to optimize my reach. I would actively network with people of influence. I would even call in favors for friends to act as my liaisons. Sadly, even after many interviews, the results would remain the same. No hire status.
I would come to realize that it wasn't any of these things that were the cause of my rejection. It was my attitude. HR personnel are called "head hunters" for a reason. They recognize and expose the human elements of the company. When I would approach the people interviewing or received a screening phone call. I was surely pleasant enough but underneath that cheerful tone was some resentment. I was tired of the process. I was anxious to get to work. I was desperate, jaded, and disillusioned about my marketability in a tough job market.
A good head hunter can spot these insecurities like a hawk....
It would take that change of attitude that would lead to end of my cold streak. After all the misfires, I would land a job that I would instantly be grateful for gaining. This would change my overall attitude and when it was time for me to move on, I did so confidently. This journey would lead to more interviewing and more rejection at times. Changing your attitude doesn't mean that you'll get accepted 100% of the time but it will increase your odds.
Universal Fact: Head hunters are looking for the ray of sunshine rather than a potential storm cloud.
Now, I'm not saying that you have to have a bubbly personality or be one of those saccharin sweet types that causes diabetes. What I am saying is that your perception and your perceived outlook on the situation will make a noticeable difference. In short, people notice are attracted to, and respond in favor to those who have a realistic but uplifting attitude. Your results may vary but overall, I promise you that you'll see more opportunity in looking up and ahead rather than down and behind.
Keep in mind that this is only one aspect of the process. You still have to do the work. You still have to optimize your resume. You still have present yourself well. You still have to be qualified for the position. You still should follow up on prospective jobs and send Thank-You notes for any interviews gained. Your attitude is simply the catalyst that will make all that work worth the while.
Power to the People
Boston, NY and other large cities have restaurants and other places of business that have decided to shut down for the day and others for an entire week in protest of this nation's unlawful treatment of immigrants; especially children --- this type of civil disobedience makes me proud that many businesses today are putting people before monetary increase.
Power to the People; Power to all the People. This is how the vietnam war was ended----
People need and want to work; they need to be valued and regardless of age or race or any other issue individuals in so-called power have against the working class; We Shall OverCome and We Are Stronger In Numbers-----Bravo
Really!!
Coding is a blue collar job now? I thought coding work was only done by teenaged geeks I see walking around downtown all the time wearing sneakers and hoodies. Nothing wrong with that but that's always been my image of the typical coder or tech worker. I have an interest in the field but being in my 50’s I’ve always honestly felt a little intimidated changing careers or looking for job in tech. This article is an eye opener but it doesn’t say much about senior level coders or job seekers. How difficult would it be for a 54 year old find blue collar coding job?
https://www.wired.com/2017/02/programming-is-the-new-blue-collar-job/
Vocabulary, Spelling and Grammar
While the majority of American write at a firth-grade level. When you write a cover letter, resume or do a phone interview, do not talk to your prospective employer as you so your friends. This means no cursing, no back-biting, blaming others for things that didn't go well. Even if it does not come naturally these communication are about how you will add to the company not what the company can do for you. This is not kissing up or selling out, it is like going to the prom. Look you best, act your best and sound your best. Speak less than 50% of the time and be prepared to know enough about the company to ask smart questions. But always proof-read, check for grammar, find something good to say about past bossed, co-workers, and companies and avoid anything that might be construed as vulgarity.
LARRY SAFETY/SECURITY DIRECTOR
It never fails to amaze me at the post on this site. People having all types of trouble finding jobs, holding onto a job, getting an interview and when things don't work out it always the company, the boss or the other employees fault. Sometimes we have to take a stand backward and examine ourselves make the necessary changes to our selves that bring the needed improvement that we are looking for. If you have a bad background, begin today to improve it, that may take awhile but its not impossible. A bad work history, make every effort on the job you have to be a success and let it be the stepping stone to something better. You can't expect to start at the top, nothing wrong with high expectations but you may find out you have to work toward those goals.
Interview books - interesting list and read