Best Ways to Increase Your Employment Chances As a Job Seeker

Advisor September 1, 2019

Unemployed v Employed

A study recently released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York confirms the common knowledge that one should not resign from a job unless there is another substantial job offer. The Study analyzed the results of the jobs offered to about 3,447 persons with the total number divided into two groups. One group comprised of those who were in employment when they got the job offer, and the other group made of those who were unemployed at the time of the job offer.

The Survey revealed that the unemployed job seekers got more job offers stated in absolute terms, although there were indications that it was because they had more time to send out applications. On the other hand, the employed job seekers got more job offers relative to the period they spent sending out applications.

The Study further revealed that the unemployed got worse job offers. For instance, the Study showed that the wages offered to the unemployed lot were 48% lower than those offered to the employed job seeker. Also, the study revealed that even after a consideration of the diverse qualities of job seekers and employers, the unemployed job seekers still had wage offers which were 23% lower than what the employed job seekers got. In addition to the wage offers, unemployed job seekers were also offered lesser work benefits, and about 63% of the offers had no accompanying benefits.

The Study revealed that the unemployed job seekers got worse job offers than the employed job seekers

The Study revealed that the disparity was because job seekers who were still in employment were more selective and able to do away with bland job offers and wait to get a decent offer. On the other hand, those who were unemployed were thrice more likely to accept just about any offer since they had no options. In essence, the study revealed that unemployed job seekers had little or no bargaining power.

Employers’ Reluctance To Hire Unemployed

Sources have revealed that those who are in dire need of jobs are the ones who often face difficulties in getting one, and only a couple of states have laws that prohibit discrimination against unemployed.

An AOL interview with employers who put out job ads had some of the employers expressly indicating that they would not hire a job seeker who was out of employment at the time of the job application. The reasons for the discrimination against the unemployed job seekers included that some of the employers felt holding a job was an indication that the applicant was valuable.

One reason for employers’ reluctance to hire an unemployed job seeker is because they consider holding a job a sign that an applicant is valuable

Also, some employers said there was no way to determine why the unemployed person no longer has a job. Another reason stated was the fact that employed job seekers would be able to transition into a new job faster than the previously unemployed and the unemployed while might lack the necessary work ethics required.

However, these perceptions might be inaccurate as many hardworking and qualified people are currently not in employment for one genuine reason or the other. For instance, some were laid off for circumstances beyond their control, and some might be stay-home parents. As such, concluding that an unemployed is less qualified is an unfair determinant and media outlets have reported that employers are gradually beginning to change this perception.

Staying Employable While Unemployed

As an unemployed job seeker, there are a couple of things to prove your relevance, worth, and competence to your prospective employers. The most important thing is to ensure that you are not staying idle while searching for a job. There is a need to keep making productive use of your time. You can also consider the following:

As an unemployed job seeker, ensure that you do not stay idle while searching for a job

1. Sign up for classes, online courses, attend workshops or enroll for a certification field related to your area. Doing this is an excellent way to show your employers that you still possess the skills required even if you are currently unemployed.

2. Volunteer, take up a temporary job or unpaid internship. There is no need to disclose to your employers whether or not you got paid, all you need to capitalize on is the relevant skills you acquired while working at the job.

3. You may also offer your services for free, but this is more effective if you are in an industry based on skills. Doing this isn’t highly advisable, but it isn’t entirely wrong since it gives bargaining power during negotiations.

In conclusion, do not stall on accepting a job offer as several years out of a job may be difficult to explain to employers.