February 2008
Don't get carried away, Gen Y job seekers warned
A leading recruitment consultant has warned young job seekers not to get carried away with their own sense of
importance, or they could find themselves without jobs - despite the skills shortage.
Kim Smith, division director of Robert Half Finance & Accounting in Auckland, issued the warning after interviewing a candidate who had no CV, but produced a written list of
demands that any future employer must meet.
"First of all," says Ms Smith, "she was looking for a role that would last only six to 12 months, as she intended to do
her OE after that time. Secondly, she wanted any new employer to reimburse her the $4,500 exam fees for the Chartered
Accountant exam she had just passed.
"And finally, she wanted $10,000 to $15,000 more than the going rate for her level because she 'knows the market is good
and clients are willing to pay'."
Ms Smith told the job seeker she couldn't represent her with that attitude, and wished her the best of luck in her job
search.
"There is no doubt there is a real skills shortage for newly qualified chartered accountants," she says. "But employers
are not so desperate they will hire someone who obviously intends to give no commitment to their work, or who insists on
being paid well above the market rate.
"Young, skilled professionals are in the driver's seat in employment negotiations in today's market - but only if they
can convince employers they will add value to the organisation and be an asset. Someone with such a sense of entitlement
as this candidate is unlikely to persuade any employer to start negotiating with them." Gen Y job seekers, just like all
other job seekers, have to realise that while employers may have to impress them, they still had to impress employers as
well, she says.
"By entering your job search with the right attitude - employers may be lucky to find you, but you are just as lucky to
find a good employer and do owe them value for the money they are paying you - you are much more likely to find your
perfect job."
ENDS