Stress During Job Search

Some people think that it is merely semantics using the words “Job Transition” as opposed to “Unemployed.”  It is true, however, that there is psychological negative effect that comes with the word “unemployed,” that makes it more than semantics. When a person loses a job, they lose all the aspects of the job and the circumstances associated with the job also changes. Schedules, deadlines, priorities, motivations and purpose all go away or shift. This causes stress in the person and the family--in fact everyone associated with the person who lost their job. Therefore, let’s call the number one stressor from losing a job, “Loss of Structure or Schedule.”

The second and no less of a stressor in the life of a person without a job is, “Loss of Income.” This creates all kinds of fallout from, “How are we going to pay the bills?” to “If I don’t have enough cash to put gas in the car, how will I ever find a job?” Credit Card debt goes up causing more stress and anxiety. Decisions of which bills to pay, “Should I pay the mortgage or buy groceries?” forces some folks to ignore important things because they cannot deal with the stress of not having enough money. This leads to problems growing and not going away until it becomes a legal problem... bankruptcy and home foreclosures are on the rise or at all time highs.

Third in the list of stressors that job seekers must deal with is the “Disruption of the Family.” An amazing statistic we are seeing today is the number of divorces after retirement. I don’t even want to contemplate the number of damaged marriages that have resulted from job loss due to the economy.  Children in school experiencing stress in their family due to job loss find their grades falling or start acting out with negative behavior.  

Today, more than any other time in history we are under attack by stressful things. Not since native peoples struggled against the elements and wild predators have human beings felt the kind of stress we feel today. So the first thing we need to do is see and understand that we are stressed. Then to seek ways to overcome or at least reduce the stress we are under. Communication is a great stress release. Counseling, through your church or a mental health professional, will offer greater relief. Finally, don’t hide your problems, let people know that you are looking for work and you’ll find they don’t think badly of you and in fact may know of something that will lead to a new opportunity.

Unemployed need not apply

In the 19th century, businesses would have signs posted that said “Help Wanted” and then another sign saying, “Irish need not apply” or “No Irish Wanted.” In the 1950’s and 60’s signs stated “No Colored” meaning that if your were a person of color, don’t even think about coming in. It didn’t matter that the business needed someone with certain skills, if you were of a particular ethnic group you were not qualified.

Today, all throughout the Internet job postings use similar language, “Only employed persons will be considered.”  “Must be employed, no exceptions,” is another not uncommon phrase in job postings. You might be asking yourself, “How can this be legal?” It is legal, unless you live in a state that has adopted a “Fair Employment Opportunity Act.” A company utilizing this practice is not discriminating on the basis of Race, Color or Creed.

Why would a company employ (yes, irony intended) such a policy? For one reason, it narrows the number of applicants that the company need to process. Another reason cited is that people who've been out of work might be rusty and harder to get up to speed than people already working. Still, although  it’s not illegal, it is short sighted since; 13+ million people is too large a group to ignore.

To the best of my knowledge, these kinds of postings have been around since the summer of 2010. And since then, I’ve had dozens, in fact, hundreds of my clients who have landed jobs. Many of them were not employed in income generating work. (Conor Cunneen uses this distinction as a response to his hatred of the word “unemployed.”) They weren’t employed and they found jobs. How did they do that?

Only 20% of jobs are advertised and the “unemployed need not apply” practice is used in a small percentage of posted job opportunities. So many of the folks who have landed jobs were considered based on their experience and not their employment status. However, the vast majority of my clients that have landed since 2010 have found those job opportunities through networking with people in the so called “hidden job market.” Even in those cases where the jobs were posted with an “unemployed need not apply” tag, their resume or application was presented by a person within the company as a personal reference.  

So, if you see a posting for a job that claims not to want to interview people like you who are currently working in the non-income generating area of job search, don’t let that dissuade you from applying and landing the job. Do it though a friend or a soon-to-be-friend. They’ll thank you for the opportunity to make their company better.

Beware of Scams Aimed at Job Seekers

Things are actually improving out there for job seekes, employers and even store owners. Really, it’s true, I’m not just a Pollyanna. Slowly things are getting better. I have clients landing jobs all the time out there. Last week, I had two clients land and two more are having second interviews and they feel really positive about the opportunity.

The week before last, a client told me that she had a job lead that she found through Craig’s List. At first she was pretty excited and then got suspicious when the hiring manager asked in an email if she wanted to work part-time, full-time or temporary, they were open to whatever she needed. It sounded a little too good, even though things are getting better out there, nothing is that good.  

My client, Sharon Zurek, sent me her story to share with you:

I was searching Craig’s list for job opportunities and noticed one for Events Planner.  I sent my resume and cover letter and received a response that I would be hired for the position.  I was instructed to find a 3-5 star hotel, travel accommodations and meal planning for 20-25 people for 12/8-12/10.  When I sent a detailed list of all the questions that needed to be addressed prior to security deposit to hold rooms and contracts for transportation, I received email stating to just book it and the attendee list would be coming shortly.  I would be receiving check to pay for expenses in the near future. I replied back that I wanted no part of this.

The post office tried to deliver a package for my signature but I was not home.   I went to post office and when I opened the express letter (at the post office) inside was a cashier’s check for $2,780 from a credit union in WA, the sender was from Oregon and the envelope was mailed from Atlanta.  I was instructed to deposit check, keep $60 for my work and go to Western Union to send a money order from the remaining balance immediately to someone in CA.  I spoke to postmaster and she took all the documents and will turn them over to USPS Fraud Department.  

So take Sharon’s experience to heart and don’t let the bad guys take advantage of you or your friends. You can contact Sharon, who is on LinkedIn if you have the need of a legitimate event planner and membership manager.