Looking beyond the obvious when hiring

One of the most difficult things to do in searching for a job is to transition from one field to another. Even if professions are related, employers are less likely nowadays to give opportunities to job seekers wishing to utilize their skills in a slightly new venue. In this recession, employers can find exactly the skill-set and experience levels they want. They don't have to take a chance on someone outside of a particular field, even if that person appears to be a great fit.

I think that is a mistake for businesses. Without reaching beyond the normal borders, companies can tend to get a bit stale. Many journalists move from media to public relations. Because they have the communications and research skills, it's a natural move, and it benefits both the agency and the former journalist. But you don't see that kind of transition happening much anymore.

Going further back, to the mid-1900s, many folks made huge transitions. My grandfather was a farmer in New Jersey before landing a gig as a photographer for the New York Post. He got the job because he showed initiative in making a picture of a jailed organized crime boss. He sold the picture and himself to the Post. He didn't go to photography school. He just showed initiative and was handy with a camera.

My father went from truck driver to TV news cameraman. He did have to go to school for training, but doors opened quickly for him after he graduated because he was persistent and had a natural gift and personality for news photography.

I worked for an executive editor once who was a bartender for several years. He swore that that job helped prepare him for newspaper work better than any journalism school could have.

Old-time actors often tell stories of working as fast-food cooks or waitresses before making it big in Hollywood. They too were discovered by someone with a keen eye for talent and given a chance to blossom. No one was overly concerned about resumes back then.

While there are many opportunities in modern society, there is also a tendency for employers to pigeon hole people. I think this comes from laziness and lack of creative thinking more than anything else. The best companies try to seek talent in a variety of places. They also explore the various hidden skills and interests of people already on the payroll to see if they would be good candidates for a promotion or transfer to another office. If nothing else, this is good business. It keeps people motivated and productive.

Employers have a great opportunity right now to break out of the box in terms of hiring. There are many people looking for jobs who are eager to try something new, something they might even be better at than what they previously did for a living. New ideas and perspectives are also good for business. Just ask the "big three" in Detroit what the status quo can do to a business.

As we mature, we have a better understanding of ourselves and what we are best suited to do. For instance, many folks discover they are better at teaching than managing. But without employers giving people a chance, many folks will will go undiscovered. This isn't good for those individuals who are seeking work or for society as a whole.