THIS IS ONLY AN INTERPRETATION, FIVE SENTENCES AND A QUESTION IS ALL I NEED. TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS, HAVE REFERENCES! ASK PROBING QUESTIONS AND MAKE STATEMENTS BASED OFF WHAT THEY WROTE

I take a position defending the laws prohibiting discrimination of unemployed persons in hiring practices. Many could agree it is easier to get a job when you already have one. Many times, the offers pour in, the opposite is true when unemployed. When you are without a job for a long period of time you seem to be an undesirable worker. Because if you were desirable you should be employed. At least this is how it is viewed by hiring organizations. Our text speaks of strategically planning, hiring those best fit and qualified, and different ways to approach the recruitment process. Sometimes, without knowing why someone was out of the workforce, they are discriminated against.

Many states post job openings stating, “must be currently employed”. This practice prompted legislatures to take action. “Employers shun the jobless, because it is perceived to be a deterioration in their skills”. (Kelsaw, 2013) This action excludes unemployed persons from the job market. Unemployment discrimination is just as important as any other form of discrimination. In a nation who already has a high unemployment rate, how does it serve the economy to continue to bypass a qualified candidate because they have been out of the workforce.

In my state and within my organization, applications ask are you currently employed. But it also states answers to this question are not required and will not be used against you in the hiring process. I think it is okay to ask the question as long as the decision is not based on its answer. Personally, I was laid off and out of work for a year. It was hard to find another job. My unemployment was a result of the auto industry collapsing. My joblessness was not of my own doing and yet it seemed like a punishment to still be turned down from jobs. By allowing unemployed persons the opportunity to apply is the way an organization really shows they are an equal opportunity employer.

References

Kelsaw, E. E. (2013). Help Wanted: 23.5 Million unemployed americans need not apply. Berkeley Journal of EMployment and Labor Law, 34(1), 1-64.

Pynes, J. E. (2013). Human resources management for public and nonprofit organizations: A strategic approach. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.