Mr. Jones Isn't Worthy

For the first time in my life, I've been on the other side of the hiring desk. It isn't fun. Yesterday, I made (in conjunction with True Boss and Boy Wonder) a decision that will affect someone's life.

John Jones applied for a job opening at Unnamed Co., basically to work in tandem with me but at a junior level. I got his resume through a former college instructor. The resume was over a year old and showed a lot of different jobs in a relatively short amount of time, in a wide variety of positions. Lion tamer at Barnum and Bailey. Machinist at the only remaining auto plant in Jersey. Technical recruiter.

We asked for an updated resume and got it, along with a cover letter than embarrassed me. The cover letter was well-written (if somewhat verbose), basically pleading for the job, saying he knew he'd had a spotty job history and knew he wasn't worthy, but please give him a chance.

He is currently working as a receptionist in a medical office. In the last year, he's had three different jobs.

I thought about it. Boy Wonder thought about it. True Boss hadn't been enthusiastic about JJ from the git-go. We all decided to give John Jones a pass.

From the other side of the interview desk, I thought about my own resume and work history. Yes, the last three years show three different jobs, but two of those were with the same contracting agency. The other one was at the company that broke my heart. I would have foolishly stayed there for years if I hadn't been kicked out.

But I do have a college degree. I have entries on my resume that span more than five years at one place. There is a theme, a steady history of an interest in both IT and the publishing industry. The college degree doesn't mean I'm superior - it just means I managed to gut out four years in college.

To John Jones, I say this - get another job. Now. Even if it's with a contracting agency. Stay there for five years. Take out loans if you must but at least finish up an associate's degree in your field of interest. When you finish the associate's degree, go for special certification (like MCSE or CAPM) in your chosen field. Then finish up your bachelor's. In the meantime, do not change jobs. This should take you about five years. Then you can look for a job again.

In the meantime, your salary will likely increase. You will likely become calmer and more settled as a person. If you are a bad or dishonest person, it will likely make you a better person.

Settle down, John. The world isn't going anywhere. And at the moment, neither are you.