By Jacqueline McClure
Genesis Background Screening Services
Many companies have taken a hard line and won’t consider any applicants who are currently unemployed. Candidates, no matter how qualified and talented they are, who are consistently rejected, will soon join the ranks of the long-term unemployed. By definition, long-term unemployment is 6 months or more. Even with the recession considered long over, this issue has become a pervasive problem.
Employers may feel that anyone currently out of work has lost their skills and their ability to meet deadlines. In many cases, this couldn’t be further from the truth. A large number of unemployed (or under-employed) workers are going to classes to upgrade their skills or learn new ones in addition to their job search. Many are networking, doing volunteer work, and starting small businesses as they work to rebuild their career. Why wouldn’t an employer want to consider an employee that is so adaptable to change and enthusiastic about new challenges?
Not only are businesses missing out on some great employees, but in some states employers may be breaking the law by the way they recruit and screen applicants, although it is hard to prove discrimination. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) states that if an employer does routinely reject job applicants based on unemployed status, it must do so consistently, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, and genetic information. Yikes! In other words, if you are going to discriminate against the unemployed, you must not single anyone out.
As unemployment rates get lower and it is harder to find qualified candidates, maybe it’s time for your company to consider an experienced worker that is either currently unemployed or under-employed. Remember, many of these professionals did a great job for their companies in positions that disappeared through no fault of theirs – many businesses closed or downsized drastically almost overnight. Why would you choose someone else with less experience and skills just because they happen to have a job at the moment?
Whether you decide to offer an opportunity to a currently unemployed candidate or hire someone that is currently working, we always suggest a thorough background screening to help you make an informed decision. For more information, contact Genesis Background Screening Services at 866 944-0041 ext 103, email getstarted@gbsspro.com or visit www.genesisbackgroundscreening.com
