The WSJournal says that many employers want to hire only the employed. With the jobless rate at 9.4% many employers are bypassing the jobless to hire the employed, thinking that they represent the top performers. Recruiting firms indicate that the bias extends from front-line employees to execs and explain:
If they’re employed in today’s economy, they have to be first string,” says Ryan Ross, a partner with Kaye/Bassman International Corp., an executive recruiting firm in Dallas. Mr. Ross says more clients recently have indicated that they would prefer to fill positions with “passive candidates” who are working elsewhere and not actively seeking a job.
In the New York area a survey by Infinity Consulting found that 59% out of 417 job hunters agreed that employers gave preference to candidates who are currently employed.
Can job searchers get around this hurdle? Dana Mattioli of the WSJ encourages job-seekers to do everything possible to assure an employer that your termination was not the result of poor performance. Arm yourself with strong letters from your former employer, indicating you were laid off for economic reasons and that you're eligible for rehire. She says that if you can't get formal letters, get references from senior-level employees at your previous company. If only half of your group was let go and you're in the losing half, recruiters antennas are up.
If you're fortunate, have a job now and want to keep it, this is a reminder that there are number of essential skills necessary for success in the new world. It's still another reason to make certain you're managing up, have learned how to avoid a pink slip and can think like your employer.