Does it work like that in the USA too?

Question

I'm simply disgusted.Here in Italy it seems that even if you've got the qualification,experience and skills for a job you won't get it unless you know somebody who will help you get it.It has always been like that and that's why there are so many incompetent employees who work in places they're not suitable for.Is it better and fairer in the USA?I guess so!

Answer 1

No it is not better here. It works exactly like that in the USA also - especially in government. Our government is probably home to more incompetent people than any other organization in the world.

Sorry but the grass is not greener on the other side.

Answer 2

Okay, people, so, now I'm no international HR expert, but I do actually have the corporate experience of the hiring process for people who worked for me both in the US and Europe. I would say that if I were a college graduate looking for a job, I would be better off (have more luck faster) in the US. The US economy is much more dynamic and it's work force and job opportunities are much more fluid than in Europe. In Europe, unemployment is generally higher, owing primarily to a lack of mobility of industry and workforce for various reasons. A key example is the trade union structure, which is required by EU law to exist, and these organizations can an incredible amount of power. For example, it is nearly impossible to fire union members in Germany, short of them criminally breaking the law, and for this reason, employers are really cautious and do not 'take gambles' on hiring new people, like you can in the US, because if it doesn't work out, you can always let them go. Also, while I work in northern Europe, I am aware from colleagues that there is much more nepotism in southern Europe, e.g. Italy and Spain, and it really does matter who you know, and may well have difficulty without this. In the US, it really is as close as the world gets to a 'level playing field' and a dynamic economy with a mobile work force.

Long story short, all else being equal (assuming you're a citizen), and have no network whatsoever and are trying to get a job solely on your qualifications and charming smile, you will probably fare better in America.

Answer 3

The US has "affirmative action" programs that dominate in the government sector and have become increasingly important in the private sector. Under this system, black, hispanic, native american, etc. (basically anyone who is not white other than Asians) are given preference in hiring, promotions, etc. The idea was supposedly to "level the playing field" for disadvantaged groups. What it has done, instead, is to rob people within those groups of any incentive to strive for excellence. Even more sinister, the phrase "affirmative action" carries no negative connotations like "Jim Crow" did in the past. Thus, the system in the US condones and encourages active discrimination against whites based on skin color. It's terribly wrong, and the US is paying (and will continue to pay) a price for it. I call it "Zimbabwe light" - not near as bad as Mugabe, but there are folks here who would love to make it that way.

Answer 4

Hello Brenno ....

It is often the case here in the US that, who you know is more important than what you know. The list of candidates for a position is often controlled by someone who has a Friend or colleague who they want to have the position. The only places where I have seen otherwise is in public service jobs where there are rules about candidate lists, but even then, the list is only a cover for the employer to get the person they want rather than the person most qualified. The best thing to do is to develop a good network of professional or job-related connections that might help you in the future.

Answer 5

While the US employment system is certainly more dynamic, and hiring is generally meritocratic and competitive, knowing someone is still the best way to get a job. That's why professional networking is important. The biggest reason isn't because of favoritism or nepotism, it's that people who know someone will often find out about openings before they happen.

Answer 6

For the most part, it is not better here. However, you do come across situations where they do actually look for the best individual instead of patting someone else on the back. Good luck!