Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

How HR robs us of good leaders

By Malcolm King - posted Friday, 19 August 2011


  • Managers in rural cities are scared that people with high order professional experience will take their jobs.

  • They want to employ people they know – or employ people they know who know other people they also know.

  • Where there is little sustainable profit or liquidity generated, there are fewer jobs.

So when people say to me they want to move to a rural city (because of the 'lifestyle') I say 'do your research'.

So you're over 45 – please take a seat and beg

Advertisement

Geoff was a fit and trim 55 year old living in Adelaide. He came to me with an already strong CV as a manager with some good media experience. He had endured numerous rejections and fourteen knock backs before and after the interview stage. He was at his wits end.

He got on well with people and all his referees said he was 'bloody marvelous' but he kept getting the standard letter that reads:

Dear Geoff,

Thank you for your application. We had an exceptionally high calibre of applicants but unfortunately in this case, you were not successful, etc, etc.

We went on a small but difficult metaphorical journey together enduring another two rejections before he landed a job.

Golden rule #3: The more jobs you apply for, the greater the chance you will land a job. Probability leans to your advantage, plus, you get better at writing job applications.

Advertisement

That's if all things being equal, you learn from your mistakes and correct them. Unfortunately there's not much one can do about being 55. Actually a lot more Australians will turn 55 this year than ever before - but I digress.

What Geoff went through was not candidate selection. It was age prejudice. Geoff wasn't over qualified. He was specifically qualified for the position.

What would we have we done if Geoff had continued to be knocked back? Prejudice rigs the game so the best player can't win. The Internet allows unsuccessful applicants to see who actually won the position. It's easy to build a work profile or access a CV from scanning Linkedin and Google. If he had continued to be rejected, I would have suggested that we see a lawyer.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. Page 3
  5. 4
  6. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

12 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Malcolm King is a journalist and professional writer. He was an associate director at DEEWR Labour Market Strategy in Canberra and the senior communications strategist at Carnegie Mellon University in Adelaide. He runs a writing business called Republic.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Malcolm King

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 12 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy