I've been doing a lot of job searching lately. Mostly online, in between bouts of email and web surfing, trolling craigslist for bikes i can't afford and tools i dream about buying. But some things about the way potential employers post adds is beginning to shape into a pattern.
For instance most employers want someone dependable, hardworking, skilled, drug/alcohol free, and cheap. Case in point:
"Experienced, trustworthy, fast, skilled Carpenter needed (Glacier)
Date: 2010-02-21, 1:24AM PSTReply to: deleted
I need a trustworthy carpenter that has tools--need widows cut out and put in and siding put up on entire two story--and transportation. I will need the floors done and the house framed inside after. Please email references and CV with pictures of previous work. Looking for educated skilled trustworthy person that can be left alone. Been stoled from so please only serious trustworthy people that are looking to build a relationship. Pay is only $10 and hour paid in cash daily and will increase when I get more money. I need someone to help me on monday and maybe tues and if things work out it will be part time a couple of days per month and leading to more work in the future. Thanks."
It is possible that this "employer" is down on his luck and wants to get his cabin, house, restaurant, or whatever finished soon. But, you get what you pay for and it is highly unlikely that he'll get what he wants for $10/hr. The add is an insult to any skilled craftsman looking for work. In a time when people are down on their luck and hurting for jobs it blows my mind that some have the audacity to prey on others desperation by offering wages so far below the going rate that it demeans the industry they are trying to hire from. The talent pool in the greater Whatcom County area is fairly strong and the competition for jobs is equally strong. But we (collective unemployed carpenters) know what our skills, experience, and tools are worth and it ain't $10/hr.
The other add that reaffirmed the patterns I've been seeing is this one:
"Framers Assistant ( Bellingham)
Date: 2010-02-19, 12:54PM PSTReply to: deleted
I'm looking for a qualified framers assistant. General skills in lumber selection, framing knowledge and post frame building construction background a real plus. Metal Siding and Roof installation. Concrete slabs. Trim, paint and pretty much looking for a jack of all trades but able to go hard all day without complaining. If you have any physical limitations - please explain on your cover letter. Wages depend upon skills and references. I would like a hard working, clean, drug & alcohol free individual. Must have a license and reiable transportation. Work schedule is 7-3:30 M-F. Please email your resume and references. Age and sex is not a factor, must be able to repeatedly lift 70-100 pounds and NOT be affraid of heights. Work to start within 3 weeks and running steady through Fall if you have what it takes. Drug and alcohol test required; as well as DMV check for insurability. Doing interviews next week. I will close the ad on Sunday Feb 21st. "
If you have what it takes. "Cowboy up son, we're gonna git this here buildn' completed!" I want to know why people feel like they have to specifically advertise for hardworking, dependable, capable people? The ranks of unemployed searching for adds on craigslist are going to inquire, or not, about jobs irregardless of their work ethic, skill set, or personal vices. (A brief aside, i don't know a construction worker who doesn't, at the very least, imbibe beer, wine, and liquor.)
I think it is safe to assume that would be employees apply for a job believing that they are hardworking, honest, and dependable. That their skill set is par for the course and their intention is to show up on time, work eight or more hours and go home. Those folk actively job searching aren't sitting around thinking, "shit I'm lazy, that would never work," or "too bad I'm dishonest, that job sounds perfect." Most people looking for a job have families to feed and bills to pay and if they are lazy, dishonest, and unreliable they don't see it.
Here is what these adds should look like: "Available: hard work for honest wages, call to apply." Looks good to me.
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