One More Note on Unemployment

In the wake of Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett's remarks on the unemployed (they would rather take unemployment benefits than get a job), it might be interesting to revisit something reported earlier this year. Some job ads specify that those not currently employed should not apply. In other words, some employers with jobs available won't consider anyone who doesn't already have a job. Catch-22.

From Laura Bassett's "Disturbing Job Ads: 'The Unemployed Will Not Be Considered'" in the 6/04 Huffington Post:

In a current job posting on The People Place, a job recruiting website for the telecommunications, aerospace/defense and engineering industries, an anonymous electronics company in Angleton, Texas, advertises for a "Quality Engineer." Qualifications for the job are the usual: computer skills, oral and written communication skills, light to moderate lifting. But red print at the bottom of the ad says, "Client will not consider/review anyone NOT currently employed regardless of the reason."

The article provides examples of other, similar ads.