How The Recession Has Changed Hiring

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The "post feminist" part meant the change in mens' attitudes towards supporting their wives or girlfriends when we can't get jobs either because of our race or how long we've been out of work looking or all of the above. I thought I'd clarify that at least once before assuming that people couldn't read my post with any understanding of what I meant by "post feminist" nonsense. It's that now that I have the "right" TO a job, now I have lost the "right" to be supported by my husband if I CAN'T find one.

Pamela of CA 8:23PM April 06, 2011

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http://www.peoplematter.com/blog/hiring-landscape

SeBas of SC 4:53PM December 02, 2010

I do not believe there is any "post feminist" effects. The business world is just being REVEALED for what it has ALWAYS been - a boys club, no girls allowed. I was one of the token women hired for quota 30 years ago. Many of those token women after rising up the ladder have been laid off in the last 8 years as they passed 40 years of age. Now we add age discrimination on top on gender discrimination.
With the way the economy is now, it has nothing to do with feminist movement but just the good ole' boys keeping the jobs for themselves and their buddies. As in any period of labor shortage, they were FORCED to hire women (but always at a cheaper rate). Men get all the highest paying and powerful jobs. There has been slight advances in the last 30 years.
It continues that there are certain careers women are 'allowed' which relate to homemaking, teaching, caretaking, service - most paying modest to no salary. A study taken showed women were in charge of family spending and finance decisions in over 60% of households. It seems we do have power.
In my 30 year career I have seen multitude of women success stories, so opportunities are there. It is difficult, I know, I struggle in my field also against this unwarranted bias (maybe driven by a sense of threat). I am frustrated by all the wasted and unused talent. We all need money to survive but I refuse to be like them - uncaring and greedy. I keep taking one step at a time for change - hopefully making it easier for those yet to pick up the struggle.

Mary of NY 1:46PM October 21, 2010

A displaced homemaker these days stands NO chance of ever getting back on her own feet. If the post-feminist movement hadn't changed how men feel about marriage it would be easier for displaced homemakers in a bad economy to just go out and get another husband to support her until she could get the Master's or PhD that now seems to be not only the bare minimum requirement but the only legitimate "excuse" in the eyes of the employer, for having been out of the workplace. Times like these make it easier and easier for employers to discriminate against displaced homemakers at the first paper-screen process. If your husband dies or your man doesn't want to or can't support you anymore, you're going to starve to death - as states are increasingly cutting out what little "assistance" for displaced homemakers they ever did have. Now it's the worst of both worlds - can't get a job AND can't find a man who DOES have one and makes enough to support two people for a while...men like that aren't willing to marry women who don't have their own jobs. That's what the post-feminist era nonsense has done to women.

Pamela of CA 5:10PM August 26, 2010

What if you are seeking a career change, therefore, your resume may not necessarily fit the job description. Let's say you are working toward a Pharmacy Technician certification but your education and background is all in the accounting field. How would you go about applying for jobs at a pharmacy.
I am guessing this is where your cover letter comes into play explaining what you are attempting to do. Are employers willing to hire people that are just starting out in a new career or will it be the same response: must have so many years experience.
This is a terrible time for me. I am currently unemployed and am a displaced homemaker and a single parent. Are there companies out there giving us a break or is it like the article said: employers are beginning to hire the candidate that most matches the job.
Very frustrating!

Rita Maraj of TX 4:45PM August 25, 2009

I have been in the Tech Engineering field for over 15 years and there is no way one person can have all skills across all lines of engineering. There are many different areas of engineering that one person can not master all. In one area it takes about 5 to 7 years to master. Even to be at the level of efficient there maybe 1 or two exceptions which is rare.

chase of NC 1:56PM July 31, 2009

As a former recruiter and now an active job-seeker, I can relate to nearly all of your points: Even after graduating with a master's in my field (HR & Org Consulting), I'm finding that there's so much competition that I'm targeting industries I never planned on targeting. For example, there are many jobs in Higher Ed right now, but they pay much less than the consulting jobs I've been looking for, so I am willing to accept less money. I am also applying for more part-time, contract, entry-level, and internship opportunities with the hope that I'm not over-qualified or stretching the truth in order to appear to be a good fit. What I've learned is that you have to choose your battles wisely- spend your time and energy on applying to jobs that are DIRECTLY related to your current skill set and experience. Now's the time to be realistic rather than constantly shooting for the stars.

John Fowler of IL 1:26AM June 19, 2009

My husband was laid off about 4 months ago. Here's what I've been noticing from watching his search. First, there is almost no communication from employers after he sends his resume. With the resume overload that the employers have, they seem to not be able to keep up with even communicating that a resume was received. Some make it difficult to find a phone number for the appropriate person to call to confirm the receipt. He's left wondering exactly where in the process he is: screening, potential, trash can? Without communication, he's left to wonder if the position is even still open.

Angela of TX 5:58PM June 17, 2009

Creating a personal brand really is crucial. Using the internet and social networking websites is a great way for anyone, especially entry level professionals to get a head start on their careers.
OneCubicle.com allows students like myself to brand myself online, network with like-minded professionals and recruiters, while also searching for jobs. It seems to be a hybrid between LinkedIn and FaceBook. I really recommend this social networking tool for students and professionals to have an edge over their competition.

Christina of CA 2:07PM June 17, 2009

I was laid off about 6 weeks ago and have been searching for jobs ever since. I have worked in finance since I graduated college five years ago, but my degree is in Management. Although my skill set often matches almost perfectly, many positions "require" a degree in Finance or Accounting. Is there any way to avoid the trash pile if my skills are a match but my degree isn't? I've been told that my lack of a specific degree is preventing me from being considered, but what can I do? In this competitive market, how do I make myself stand out from other degreed candidates with similar experience?

Erica of NY 10:35PM June 15, 2009