tknight

I have received a round of paybacks from Kiva loans outstanding so I am doing the right thing and paying it forward in the form of another loan…

Once again it for transportation, and once again to someone who is in need HERE.

From the unemployment line to the entrepreneur…

This one’s for you!

An article on mismatch between job skills needed and applicants prompted a response…

Mismatched background and experience is a misnomer.

As a manager, you need to manage.

It is always the same eternal triangle irrespective of industry. You need to balance time, people and money. Any shortage in one area can be made up by increasing use of the other two legs of that triangle.

The “issue” that your experience or background may not be in something like “left handed widget whittling” does not mean that you would not be capable or successful.

In fact the ability to adapt to a different industry would be a benefit to both the employer AND the employee. This is something that automated screeners and the like overlook. The result of trying to fill openings exclusively with “perfect matches” is the very mediocrity and repetition of patterns that got the country into the economic tailspin in the first place.

Recall that the Wright Brothers were pioneers in aviation. Their experience: hobbyists and bicycle mechanics.

Similarly the automobile industry was created by those with no background related to it.

Funny fact is most hires that worked to grow industries and create new jobs were exactly the people a mature industry would never hire because they weren’t qualified.

Dream. Take a Chance. GROW!

I have been a manager for over thirty years. And one thing that was always drilled into me, both as a job candidate as well as the guy on the other side of the desk was: be on time.

I was/am in the position of interviewing for a low-level technical support job with a huge international firm.

I was tested in various areas deemed appropriate for the position.

To date, I have passed three screening tests with perfect scores or in the case of the ability to use a keyboard, over three times the qualifying score for speed and accuracy. Accordingly, I was scheduled for an interview.

I rearranged my schedule. Was at the appointed place on time and ready for this final hurdle.

And then it happened.

Nothing.

I was left high and dry to wait.

and wait.

and wait.

An hour and a half later, no interview.

Left to cool my heels.

I contacted the source to alert Human Resources as to what had occurred (or rather what had NOT occured)... and no answer there either.

I called again the next day.

And was told our people don’t do that. You are mistaken. Good day.

So not only am I stood up by the employer for the meeting they scheduled, but am told that it is all in my head.

Makes me wonder what else might be at work here.

Age? I am nigh 50. (almost double the age of anyone else being tested)

Race? I am not officially a minority (all but two of the people testing were as were the hiring managers)?

Categorized as a threat? (Post testing group orientation elicited the question from the hiring manager of whether anyone had any technical experience. I responded that I did. I also answered the question concerning how much experience. (I was told that this was great, but, with a laugh, that the manager had no such background and that it wasn’t needed to follow the scripts for technical support.)

Arrogance? (we’ll show you for being too qualified. Just make you wait!)

I may never know.

All I have been left with is paperwork documenting that I am a highly qualified candidate and an appointment the company refuses to acknowledge exists or to keep.

So I continue to look.

And wonder….