In today’s competitive job market, employers can afford to be picky. With so many qualified candidates available, they can afford to wait for the perfect one. But are they being too picky? Yes.
There is no doubt that employers have high expectations for job seekers. They want candidates with years of experience, a laundry list of skills, a perfect resume and overall a SF persona. But are these expectations realistic? No.
A recent study by ZipRecruiter found that employers are asking for an average of 5.1 years of experience for entry-level jobs. That’s a lot of experience for someone who is just starting out.
The study also found that employers in USA are offering an average salary of $33,318 for entry-level jobs. That’s not a bad salary, but it’s not great either.
So, are employers being too picky? On the one hand, they have the right to be selective. They want to hire the best person for the job. On the other hand, their expectations may be unrealistic.
Consequences of employers being too picky
They may miss out on qualified candidates. There are many talented people who don’t have the exact experience or skills that an employer is looking for. But these people may be just as capable of doing the job.
They may have to pay more for talent. When employers have to compete with other companies for top talent, they may have to offer higher salaries.
They may have a high turnover rate. If employees feel like they are not being valued, they may be more likely to leave their jobs.
What can candidates do about fussy employers?
Be prepared to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to ask for a higher salary or more benefits.
Be willing to compromise. If you don’t have the exact experience or skills that an employer is looking for, be willing to learn.
Be persistent. Don’t give up if you don’t get the first job you apply for. Keep applying and eventually you will find the right opportunity.
Companies who failed by being too picky
In 2017, Uber was sued by a former employee who claimed that the company had a “hire only the best” policy that discriminated against women and minorities.
In 2018, Amazon was criticised for its grueling interview process, which some people said was designed to weed out all but the most elite candidates.
In 2019, Tesla was accused of having a “toxic” work environment, with employees reporting long hours, unrealistic expectations and a lack of respect from management.
It is important for employers to remember that they are not the only ones in the job market. Candidates have options and they will not be willing to work for a company that does not value them.
Is your employer too picky? Let us know, we’re keen to publish your stories here.
