Authors frequently share tips on how HR professionals can attract talented candidates.  Yet, over the past 15 years, I have talked to hundreds of individuals who were currently looking for work or who had recently been seeking work.  All too often they shared their discontent with the job seeking process.  Every one of them shared how poorly they were treated and how, more often than not, they never heard back from the employer after they applied for a position. 

Many of these individuals I knew personally.  Furthermore, I had extensive knowledge about their work history and ethics.  These individuals were top candidates.  They were educated, experienced and hard-working.  Yet, they remained on the unemployed list way too long!

Is there a sigma out there that puts a label on someone who is unemployed?  Does unemployed or recently laid off, mean the person is not worthy of a job?  How frequently have these individuals been turned away from jobs that they could have become superstars if given the chance?  Is there an unwritten law that says �??Thou shall not hire someone who is unemployed?  If they are unemployed, something must be wrong with them.�??

I wish I had the answer.  In the meantime, I would suggest the following:

·         Do not assume that a person who has been laid off is not a good worker.

·         Do not assume that a person who made a lot more money than you can offer will not be interested in the job or that he/she will not stay.

In this challenging economic climate you might find the most talented individuals are looking for work.  Do not miss out on an opportunity to hire a superstar.