Excellent candidates for skilled labor jobs may be overlooked because of a change in employer expectations. Here’s some options you can consider to fill your open positions.
The expectations of employers have changed which have added to the shortage of skilled labor. The following information has been collected from individuals who have struggled to find a job even though they have a great work ethic, experience and/or education. Employers expect new employees to ‘hit the ground running’.
Colleges train students on equipment but cannot afford every brand or software program available. Employers have specialized equipment, procedures and proprietary software. Even experienced candidates will need some training on company specific machines, procedures and software. Without training, you set new employees up for failure and miss potentially great employees who are honest about their lack of experience on a particular piece of equipment or program. The question is ‘are they teachable’?
College is not a substitute for experience.
Don’t get me wrong, college is important. I have a master’s degree but it is not the same as experience. The trend is to cut employees without advanced degrees. Years of experience in place of an advanced degree are no longer being considered for jobs. For example, experienced engineers with a two-year degree working along side engineers with higher degrees are the first to go. When they leave, the practical hands-on experience they bring to the team leaves with them.
The quote ‘Experience is the Best Teacher’ has been proven. Colleges accept ‘life experience’ as credit towards a degree because they realize its value. Experience is the most enduring lesson while education provides the reasoning behind the processes.
Older workers are not being considered for hire.
Seasoned workers are often considered too old to hire for skilled labor. Candidates are actively pursued until a face-to-face interview gives away their age or is seen on a background check. Excuses are made, jobs disappear and younger less qualified candidates are hired. If employers are looking for a good work ethic and experience, consider candidates in their fifties and early sixties. They may not be able to work 60+ hours a week but they will make up for it in quality and dedication during the 50+ hour a week they work. They raise the standard for the younger workers to attain.
Employers are looking for experience but are not willing to pay for it.
Skilled laborers are sought after because of their vast experience but the job offer comes with a wage based on a beginner with no experience. Or they expect them to work an undisclosed number of hours, covering numerous positions, for a smaller salary and no overtime. One company even demanded an answer in ten minutes to start immediately after the interview, stating ‘you need a job so you better take it.”
Companies who want skilled labor should consider how they treat their current employees and potential candidates. Seasoned candidates will work for less wages within reason if they know the company will treat them fairly and will reward their efforts.
Looking for skilled labor to fill open positions? Consider broadening your expectations.
Jean
On another note, it may be harder to find experienced skilled labor who are unemployed. While our Workforce system works well finding jobs for inexperienced candidates, they do not know how to help experienced and seasoned workers. After six months, they drop off the unemployment rolls and are left to find jobs on their own. Consider non-traditional methods of advertising your openings such as Craig List, trade shows, radio, bulletin boards of businesses or hobby magazines and shows related to machinery and equipment. Here is a link of the best online job posting sites in 2018 https://fitsmallbusiness.com/advertise-a-job/
