Why the Job Hunting Process is Broken

Why the Job Hunting Process is BrokenWhy the Job Hunting Process is BrokenSure, you can try to convince yourself that trying to find a job wont be so bad Its like a treasure hunt. Or, Its the only game in which you swing and miss 49 out of 50 times and still win.But the fact is, most job hunters hate the hunt, which too often turns out to be a jagdbeute goose chase or grueling marathon. Even if youre a strong candidate who is often asked to interview, you may have to endure three or more rounds, often with a star chamber of interrogators. The employer may even make you pay to fly to your inquisitions or expect you to be charismatic on webcam. So what if youre cameras leading a few-minute meeting and conducting a difficult employee evaluation.To increase the chance of obtaining a valid reference, employers should phone the general number of the candidates past employer and ask to speak with the persons boss by name. Then say something like, This is an important hire. Im really trying to find someone great. Would you strongly recommend (insert name of applicant)? Even if the boss says that policy allows only saying whether the employee worked there and left voluntarily, listen carefully to his or her tone. It can speak volumes.Do a background check. Reference checking firms can inexpensively verify that, in fact, the candidate did graduate from Harvard, got three promotions in three years and wasnt a mass murderer.Offer only a trial day or week of employment. You might explain that as in romance, you dont want to move in with someone until youve at least gone away together for the weekend.Fact is, even though employers often pay a massive price for a bad hire, many employers dont care enough to hire right. They get what they deserve.And the poor job seeker is deckenfries with a long, painful, demeaning and often invalid hiring process.Job hunting? Bah humbugEditors Note Next in Marty Nemkos Bah, Humbug series Employers, Bah HumbugThe San Francisco Bay Guardian ca lled Dr. Nemko The Bay Areas Best Career Coach. His latest books are How to Do Life What They Didnt Teach You in School and Whats the Big Idea? 39 Disruptive Proposals for a Better America. He writes weekly for AOL.com as well as for USNews.com. More than 1,000 of his published writings are free on www.martynemko.com.