As I have been through an unusually long job search, my heart goes out to everyone who is trying to find a job. Although I realize summer is a difficult time to carry on a job search, it can also be a time period where you can make a lot of progress. It is also a time period where you will find some individuals, and businesses that lack compassion when it comes to those who are out of work.

One instance that comes to mind came from a former co-worker. She has been out of work for over a year now and remains dedicated to her job hunt. About two weeks ago she received a call that went something like this (I have changed names those involved):

Caller: Hello, Is this Ms. Oberson?

Ms. Oberson: This is she.

Caller: I am Ms. Pemberson from Widget Employment Services. I would like to tell you that I have received your resume for the accounting position…

Ms. Oberson:  Great!  Are there any questions I can answer for you?

Caller: No, actually I called to tell you that this is the 20^th resume I have received from you.  I would really appreciate it if you could stop sending me your resume.

Ms. Oberson:  Excuse me, but if I do not send resumes to the same place continuously.

Caller:  Well I have counted 20 instances.  Please stop sending me your resume.  Good-bye!

   As I have worked closely with “Ms Oberson”, I know that she would not send resumes out repetitiously, to the same agent.  This is certainly a heartless action taken against someone who is looking for work.  So I asked myself, how could this happen?  The answer is simpler than I thought. 

   During my job search I found that some agents list a position in multiple job search engines.  In one particular case, I found that a position listed for a Mineola firm, a Westbury firm, a Farmingdale firm, and a Hicksville firm, were in fact, for one position, in one of those locations.  The name of the company was not mentioned in any of those listings.  I know this because the agent told me that they were having problems finding “acceptable” candidates.

   There is one other practice, uncovered by CNN Money and can be found at the following location: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Outofwork-job-applicants-told-cnnm-3498252371.html?x=0

   The writing notes that there are an increasing number of firms that are excluding the unemployed from filling open positions in their companies.  One might find this hard to believe, especially in light of inducements that some local and state governments are offering to hire the unemployed.  Nonetheless, it is unfortunate to note that, in some cases the ads specifically state that they will not hire unemployed workers! 

   This is hardly a reason to throw up one’s hands in defeat!   If you feel that you have been a victim of discrimination, the best action you can take is to make other’s aware of the offending company.  This method, according to the CNN Money article has been largely successful.  CNN Money reported that when they contacted 2 companies that carried the employment restriction in their ads, both companies removed the restriction.

   CNN Money has stated that they are interested in hearing from anyone who feels that they were discriminated against due to their employment status. More details can be found in their article, which you can access by clicking on, or pasting the link to your browser window. 

   During my job search, I am pleased to report that almost all employers who interviewed me were very sympathetic to those who lost their positions as a result of this recession. Despite what the article states, I feel that most prospective employers are fair and ethical when it comes to choosing candidates to fill their positions.  I am hopeful that more articles, like the one written by CNN money will help to raise issues regarding employment discrimination.

   For all of those who lost their job, whether it be due to the recession or other reasons, I wish you good hunting.

-By Howard K. Young, Contributing Writer & Member of The 405 Club.

View all of Howard’s posts here.