Jobsearch Issues PT3

Often times there maybe more than one interview scheduled, before a final decision is made. So it's necessary to attend more than one at your own expense, in order to prove yourself worthy of a chance.

Remembering that there is also a probationary period as a standard protocol to give the Company another 3-6 months to evaluate the incumbent…

In most countries Employment Law gives the Company the absolute right to terminate employment within the probationary period without a reason or explanation. So there really is very little consideration given to the cost, or risk involved in seeking out new employment opportunities.

Perhaps this is fostering stagnation in companies and workplaces as persons prefer not to even try to look elsewhere for work as it's too risky!

Employers again can capitalise on this by maintaining their upper hand position. Cognisant that they provide a certain level of security, financial stability, benefits for their employees, substantiating a dynamic that requires the employee to always need them more, at all times. Fearing the possibility of losing their income and the overall benefits of being employed. 

Even more prevalent and intensified in times of crisis, shortages and recession such as in this Covid-19 pandemic. When companies are cutting back and recession equals, many staff made redundant, persons really have to be happy if they manage to maintain their employment.

I remember when interviews were more personal and less about performing. Nowadays many interviews take place in group situations. Candidates are expected to take part in any activity that is planned by the Company recruiters, including role-plays and presentations. As if the Jobseeker is an Actor at an Audition or even a Business Entrepreneur pitching a business idea to a potential Investor or Partner. 

In addition there are diagnostics tests and aptitude tests some of which must be completed at your own expense even before getting shortlisted for an interview. Then again there are more of the same type of tests at the initial interview, perhaps to ensure that this is the same candidate or same caliber at least, that applied online. 

There really is a lot required and the expectation to perform is very pressuring on potentially GREAT people!

 

Jobsearch Issues PT2: Looking for work?

After 25 years of working and all that is involved in being an "employee". I'm analysing how little has evolved and how little the salaries have increased in relation to inflation and the cost of living - globally!

As well as how much is required for a "Jobseeker", for persons looking for a job or a change of career. Or worse even, who are unemployed and seeking employment to escape the "rut" of poverty.

The cost of getting online to complete job applications, which in most places in the world, nowadays is a standard procedure. If we assume the person is unemployed and does not have access to WIFI at home or a computer. If they do not have an active, positive, support network. Can't find friends, ex-colleagues or associates who would be willing to assist them with their Job search. By giving them time online - how will they be able to complete their job applications without the facilities?

To make applications the traditional way, the cost would be even more. Time on a computer to type an application letter, maybe edit the resume accordingly and then print three sheets of paper, will cost approximately $2-300 per application. That's not including the cost of an envelope, which is minimal and then postage or the cost of delivery.

After all of this effort, it's very disappointing and disturbing even, to never receive any acknowledgement or confirmation. That this application was received by the correct person, reviewed, processed, read or even considered.

If the application is successful and an interview is scheduled for the screening or selection process to continue. There is the cost of travelling to an interview, as well as being properly prepared and attired. In most cases grooming and appearance is part of the overall score or rating that a Company will affix to a potential candidate.

For most employers Professional Business attire is the expected standard. And as they say "first impressions count!" As such the appearance of the applicant will be assessed along with their work history and other capabilities. In order to decide if this person is a good potential candidate for the vacant position.

The cost of maintaining good personal grooming, hair grooming, teeth, skin and nails as well as a good pair of shoes and business attire is another cost to consider.

So how much must a person spend in order to find a job? And how many employers really consider and appreciate the effort that it takes to seek out their employment?

JOBSEARCH issues!

One of the most apt quotes that I really like, by American entrepreneur Jim Rohn who says, “Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.”

During the course of my work life or "career", I have been employed, self-employed and also unemployed...

Having over 25 years of experience, working in various roles, I can say that I have experienced the working world. I have even been trained in modern/progressive HR practices by a big name SW company specializing in HR SW solutions. Although my role was Sales, our Manager Mr Austin, Trainer Ms Allen and the team at Head Office made certain that we understood HR practices enough so that we could "talk shop" comfortably with our clients. And to relate to our potential clients, who were our "target" market, the people we were selling to. 

"Compensation" was the "buzz" word in these training sessions, as I learned, this is the term most HR Executives in the US, used to refer to the "pay package" or Salary.  This term was quite familiar, but "new" to me in this context. Being that I first started working in the traditional HR format, in the UK as a Personnel Assistant. As it was explained to us then in our training sessions, "Personnel" only refers to Staff as a commodity or asset that the Company is responsible for maintaining such as their equipment. Human Resources is a more holistic, even perhaps "Humanitarian" approach to People Management. 

Compensation as it refers to pay in this area is a package that offers Staff not only a Salary, but also benefits, such as Health insurance, Life Insurance, Discounts, Special services and other perks, depending on the Company's ethos and area of Business, Affiliations etc. 

Please contact Ms. MAE at MAE Creative Consulting if you would like further details about our services and a 5 minute FREE introductory Consultation. 

Email: MsAMediaE@gmail.com