Why are jobs so hard to find?

So I've been out of work since last October. Now most of that time was spent on a sabbatical looking after the foster kids we were taking care of, but they moved on to a new family in June. Since then I've been actively trying to find a job here in KC. Let's just say things....are....weird.

I've run into 4 different scenarios like these:

1). The Resume Gatherers. These are companies putting out requests for resumes, waiting for a bunch of people to apply, and then pulling the job. They seem to want to create a database of resumes for later when they are actively looking for people. This also seems a little useless to me. What if the person you want has moved on to another job, or city? What if the person you really want is on the market now, but the database you're using is from 6 months ago? What about the people like me who apply, hoping for a job, and then watch that job 'opportunity' dry up?

2). The Exact Fit. Some companies are putting out very exact requisitions, and denying anyone that doesn't match the whole list exactly. For example, 5 years of Java, 3 years of .Net, 2 years of GWT, 5 years of Oracle, 4 years of XML, 5 years of mainframe experience, ability to make lattes, and no speeding tickets. Have it all but the lattes? No good. Have a speeding ticket? Speed on into the round file. 6 years of SQL Server and a certified DBA? No Oracle, no paycheck. The company will keep this req out for a year, giving plenty of time for on the job training, waiting for the perfect one to magically appear.

3). Cheaper is better. Have 15 years of experience and expect a salary anywhere near compensatory? Nope. We'd rather have someone right out of college who'll accept minimum wage and a free lunch at Wendy's. Yes the economy is bad. Yes times are hard for everyone. Companies need to learn that not every programmer is the same. We are not interchangeable. I don't know why I expect them to learn a lesson they've never learned in the past 20 years, but that's the way I am.

4). Legitimate companies. They're out there. Willing to pay good people for good work. I just hope I find one. One of these days.


Will it all work out? Yes. Will it take a while? Yes. Is there any way to change companies 1-3? Probably not, but if we don't try they definitely won't change. And if you work for one of those companies, good luck!