That’s right. Even with unemployment at 10%.
What’s worse, most don’t understand WHY this is happening…
Let me clarify; demographic being referenced is white collar, degreed engineering professionals. Gen Y, Gen X and Boomers. All of them. If you’re a textile worker in the southeast, or a financial advisor on Wall Street, you’re NOT included in the reference.
OK, now let’s pretend that there are exactly 1,000 people in the United States that have a special skill set that you need, albeit due to attrition, expansion, or many other reasons why. Your company needs just ONE. Should be a piece o’ cake, right? Think again!
I’m feeling extra generous today, so let’s just say that only 50% aren’t interested or willing to relocate. Of the 500 that remain, at least 2/3 are unable to sell their home due to the market conditions. Yikes!
This massive number has already shrunk to approximately 175 available candidates (AND WE HAVEN’T EVEN BEGUN THE SEARCH)
Wait, did you hear that? A large boom…most likely John Glenn breaking the barrier or someone’s bubble bursting…
A few examples:
Job Specialization: Engineering positions ~ hard to fill, but usually because it’s a niche skill set. Highly analytical / difficulty making decisions. Sales role? Same but different “why”, these gigs are highly subjective.
Competitors: Gainfully employed and have golden handcuffs to stay (severance etc). Formerly work there (non competes -usually not best of best, which is what you’re looking for in this role)
Culture: Maybe they would rather work for them than your organization. Level of Compensation – does it stack up? More? Less? How about Cost of Living?
Are they still employed? EVEN worse! There’s a good reason they’ve survived 2-4 RIF’s!
Even if your position is better, they feel safer where they are, i.e., don’t wish to be ‘last hired & first fired’
Stability & Growth Potential: ‘STABILITY’ is the new ‘Growth Potential’.
SocialMedia has changed the game; it’s changed the way people network… Job boards don’t attract candidates like they once did (that’s another post). LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, ad infinitum.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION: There’s no place like home Auntie Em! (especially if you can’t sell it!)
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