Mindset: The New Psychology of Success-Perfect Book for Recruiters and HR Professionals

The economy has improved since the great recession. The economic improvments have been very slow and the official unemployment rate has dropped to what most economists consider full employment.

Millions of workers lost jobs during the great recession. A large number who were laid off never found employment again over the course of the recovery. These former workers don't count as unemployed because they are not eligible for unemployment and they are not actively looking. They basically gave up.

As the official unemployment numbers dropped recruiters and HR professionals have complained of a labor shortage. They state that applicants don't have the skills necessary to fill their positions. There is no doubt many jobs have technical requirements that require specific degrees and work experience.
There are millions of unemployed workers with and without college degrees longing for employment.   I don't think the issue is with the candidate pool. The main issue is the people hiring have a fixed mindset.

I strongly suggest people in the hiring profession read the book Mind Set: The New Psychology of Success. If you read this book with an open mind you may discover there is no shortage of qualified workers. The problem may be you and your closed mindset not seeing the potential of candidates that are right under your nose. People can learn just about anything and your most talented and technical staff are capable of doing that training. Get rid of your closed mindset and take on the challenge of  training the people you really need to fill positions. People in the growth mindset don't shrink away from challenges. Challenge and stretch yourself. Put away all those manufactured job requirements made up by managers looking for dream candidates.

There are millions of workers of all ages who are not participating in the workforce today. Many are in their prime. A high percentage of these workers would thrive in learning the skills that are needed to fill your positions. They are determined to stretch themselves as workers. Are you willing to do the same type of stretching in your role?  Will it take time to train these candidates? Yes!  and when that training is complete you will have dedicated employees who will be open to change and stretching themselves in the future when new skills and abilities are needed.

People of a fixed mindset make themselves feel better when things are difficult by assigning blame. Are you blaming the candidate pool for your inability to recruit?  Stretch yourself as HR professionals and recruiters as you would expect employees to stretch themselves to learn and succeed in their job responsibilities. It's a win-win situation.

Become a growth minded HR professional. A good start can is by reading: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Millions of people like myself are counting on people who recruit and hire with the ability to think outside of the box. Good luck!!!