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Why It’s Time to Throw Out This Traditional Job Requirement
The hiring process hasn’t changed much in decades and I would argue it’s actually gotten worse due the technology used to evaluate resumés. After you submit your resumé, a computer program scans it for specific information, makes an immediate decision about your qualifications, and sends you an automated rejection email all before the hiring manager even sees it.
One of the key filters used by resumé scanning softwares? Work experience. An applicant must have a certain number of years doing a certain job in order to qualify for an interview.
Now, I’m writing about this because I know firsthand what it’s like to be rejected based on lack of experience. But I’m also writing about this because as an organizational effectiveness consultant I help businesses attract and retain the best talent and I see this issue as a major barrier for organizations that want to transform and innovate their business.
And, coincidentally, I’m good at my current job even though I entered it with no direct background education or experience. Thankfully I was hired for the other knowledge, skills, passions, and drive that I could demonstrate effectively once I was given the chance to interview. But getting the first interview was not easy — months and months of submitting job applications and a lot of rejection…
