We don’t hire unemployed candidates. Have you heard recruiters espouse this hiring policy?
This idea is based on the premise only low performers are laid-off or fired. This can be a misguided recruiting philosophy.
When companies are acquired, entire departments or divisions can be eliminated. Would it be accurate to presume all of these people are low performers?
Mergers can displace workers and cause unemployment.
Sometimes the best performers can be laid-off because they are not afraid to rock the boat.
There are employees who keep to themselves and don’t make waves so they don’t stand out or take risks. Are they the best in talent?
If your company follows the policy of not recruiting unemployed people, reconsider this misguided philosophy. You could be missing some great talent.
(By the way, the following states have laws against this policy: New Jersey and Oregon. The District of Columbia and New York City also have laws preventing the discrimination against unemployed workers. It could also be said the policy has a disproportionately negative impact on protected applicants — both race and age.)
What are your thoughts on the do-not-hire-the-unemployed policy?
