The New "Bread Line"

Perhaps you've seen those old movie reels of the thousands of people standing in line to receive food or work during the Depression Era.  Those are images of a time in our history that damaged the very psyche of the nation.  Today, we have something very similar to this image, that of many professionals standing in line at job fairs and seminars, all waiting to spend four minutes in front of some recruiter, only to be thanked and sent away.  The new “trying to earn bread” line consists of the many individuals recently laid off from their jobs and now competing for just about any position.  Now, I want to first commend every person out there striving to find work and not giving up on themselves.  That is a courageous action and to anyone in that situation, you have my utmost admiration. 

The problem I have with this scenario is that some, certainly not all, companies participate in these job fairs yet do not offer legitimate employment opportunities.   I know from personal observation and research at these job fairs and from speaking with some of the attendees that this happens frequently and creates a very demoralized group of people.  For this blog, I want to address those organizations and employers who attend these events and offer my suggestions on how to market and recruit solid talent, while maintaining respect for the attendees. 

First, participate with the understanding that employment opportunities do exist and you are not just taking in resumes.  I went to a job fair and after standing in line for over an hour, I was told the company was not hiring but in fact just laid-off a large amount of work force.  I asked why they were participating at this job fair and was told it was in order to have a pool of names to fill positions of the laid off group in the event the company improved.

Second, remember that all of the people you meet at job fairs have come with their resumes, waited in long lines, and are people in search of honest employment.  Please treat them with respect and honesty, not with the attitude they are not worthy of your time.  At one event, the recruiter I spoke with at a booth was irritated, “huffy”, and short with me when I started asking questions about their positions and company.  I was told, that if they decided to contact me about the position, I could ask those questions then.  I know that the people on the other side of the table are under stress and tension, but they did agree to participate in the event; therefore, they should at least be willing to have a respectful conversation with the attendees. 

Third, everyone is in the same position and under varying degrees of stress.  Encouraging and professional tones are appreciated by both those seeking and providing employment.  Even if an attendee does not meet specific qualifications or there is an abundance of applicants; behaving in a professional and tactful manner is the right way to treat people.  Remember, all things are cyclical; whereas today there are fewer jobs and many applicants, tomorrow things will change.  People may not remember specific conversations or names, but they do remember how they are treated.  Social awareness and accountability for an organization is tested and monitored at job fairs.  Be an organization that is known for fairness and integrity when it pertains to employment opportunities and the treatment of potential staff. Do you have a similar story from your job search you’d like to share?  What do you think would make the difference?