There is a saying, "It's easier to find a job when you have a job." It turns out that in today's job market, this cliche is ringing louder and clearer than ever before.
This is a huge problem for unemployed folk such as myself, and the problem is only getting worse. {Cue doomsday music.}
One of the reasons behind this phenomenon is that employers are becoming increasingly prejudiced against unemployed candidates. Some have even stated in the job advertisement that they will not accept applications from the unemployed no matter the reason. (Great article on that here- the comments are a rather interesting read as well.)
Another reason, and the focus of my tirade today, is the increased reliance on the internal candidate. According to this article (which references a Wall Street Journal article that I can't find), in 2010, 47% of all new hires were internal candidates. And this trend is only gaining in popularity.
HR people LOVE internal candidates! They're cheaper and easier to recruit. They improve morale at the company. You don't have to pay them as much. Sounds like a win/win, doesn't it?
Not so fast. I've been burned by this internal candidate phenomena. The scar tissue hasn't healed yet. Here's my story:
While I was still employed at my last job (so being unemployed was not yet one of my problems), I saw an advertisement for a great opening-level-type position at a company whose product I am totally gaga over. You could not fake my enthusiasm over this company and the position was really great, too. Super extra bonus- I know someone who works there already!
I sent my contact an email inquiring about the job. Her response, "you would be a fantastic fit for this position." I'm golden! She gave me the name of the HR person, so I bypassed the generic "apply@company.com" as posted on the advertisement and went straight to the right person.
Then came the phone interview. I am starting to get really super extra excited about this. Then came the in-person interview. I am extra super encouraged. My enthusiasm showed through. They appeared very receptive to my answers to their questions. It seemed like the best thing ever. The feedback from my contact was very positive, as was the feedback from another contact who had been employed at the company for a long time and stayed in touch with them.
I could not be more excited about this opportunity. Everyone I talked to agreed, "oh, that is so perfect for you." And it was... or so I thought.
Fast forward to my last week of employment. My self-esteem was already wavering on unhealthy low levels, which is what happens when you spend two months working with the guy who stole your job and you've been steadily watching him being phased into your job while you are being not-so-gently phased out.
It's Tuesday. I had barely warmed up my seat that morning when I see a new email on my personal account. It's the super fantastic company I'm super excited about working for. It was one of those dreaded, "we decided to move forward with another candidate" emails.
I spent a good day-and-a-half bawling my eyes out.
I learned later from both my contacts that the position went to an internal candidate. Both contacts told me that the intent from the start was for this internal person to get the job.
I do not know why they advertised the position to the public if the job was intended to stay internal. I do know that I spent a lot time, energy, excitement, and eventually tears going through the process. The company also spent some time and energy getting to know me as a candidate. I also know that I would have been a great employee. They missed out on a great opportunity to hire someone who had enthusiasm and love to spare for their product line and would have showed it every day with passion for their work.
In the end, they decided the internal candidate was more valuable than the enthusiastic one. And so here I sit, much less enthusiastic and a little more bitter... and unemployed.
