Misplaced Talent: A Guide to Better People Decisions

Chapter 2

Talent Acquisition

As any recent graduate can attest, trying to find a job is a horrendous process. The time invested in researching potential employers, filling out applications, undergoing assessment, and deciding what to do once you receive a job offer, is immense. For those already employed, the process can create inertia against changing employers. On one hand, they might not be happy in their current jobs, but on the other, they don't want to invest the time and energy to embark on a full-fledged job search. In weighing the pros and cons of either sticking with the devil they know or putting themselves out into the job market, many talented individuals make the decision to stay put.

Reflecting back on my first job, the world has changed considerably for job-seekers. I remember driving around to all the local shops and gathering application forms from retailers, selected by whether I was interested in their employee discount. Putting on what I considered my best clothes, I would return the applications and hope for an interview on the spot, which is actually how I landed my first job. Later, I worked in a government office helping young people find jobs in the local community. Working from a rudimentary system, we were able to input and then print out job postings. By the time we received the job order, input the information, and dispersed it to the branch offices, it was often too late, with the job filled by candidates walking through the door.

Fast forwarding ...