Unemployed need help – but a new law could kill their chances ….

“There are three constants in life... change, choice and principles.” Stephen Covey

In the President’s jobs bill is a provision that would make it illegal to discriminate against people who are unemployed and effectively halt the practice of asking about one’s current job which is critical to gauge the ability of the applicant to do the job at a new employer. 

While true there are employers who will not interview those who are unemployed, and while I feel it is a huge mistake, it is not illegal but would be under this law. The effect of doing this will be a further hands-off on resumes where employment history isn’t clear. Employers will fear lawsuits and will pass on applicants whose resumes indicate a break in employment or current unemployment. This will, in effect, make the situation much harder for the unemployed and not help. It will also raise the possibility of hiring lawsuits – and that will dampen jobs for sure. 

This really stems from employers who have added in job postings “unemployed do not apply”. I would say they are misguided for sure – others have used stronger language. My take – if you were applying to one of those companies and saw that in a job posting, is that really the place you want to work? Not me!

Will that make it into law – many say no but you never know. If you are one of the unemployed – even a long-term unemployed, my advice:

Take a job – any job – to show that you are working and trying to get ahead and change your situation. It might be something just to put a few bucks in your pocket or better yet, to pick up a new skill. It is work – and will show your commitment to working.

Staying hope because you can make more money on unemployment – which is the decision of many – will come back to haunt you at some point and can work against you. If this is your decision, have a good reason for it – child care, elder care or another like reason to show there is a purpose.

Let employers hire the best applicant for the job and company and hope that government doesn’t interfere with this free market which would be a shame for sure. Push on. Persevere. There is a job for you – it can be right around the corner if you try hard!

And thank you for reading this. - Dan