You're the HR manager and today you face growing dissent in the support pool. Today it's Zane, telling Tricia about the new Project Admin III opening.
"They always say 'college or equivalent experience,'" he grumbles. "But they really mean college. I know as much about that work as any college kid. That's stupid!"
Tricia's right there with him. Is a revolution budding in your assistant pool?
Discussion
It looks like the company has fallen into the trap of rating equivalent experience lower than college. This can happen when someone's preference becomes a requirement.
Make sure someone's "want-to" doesn't become a "have-to." Examine the bona fide occupational qualifications (BFOQ) for the position and ask what they reflect: have-to or want-to?
This goes for non-HR managers as well. A lot of managers simply don't like to interview. It's a laborious, time-intensive process. If your employees feel they can't get ahead, it may be worth your time to look over your company or department's history. Do you hire people because you prefer they have a degree and disregard their experience? Do you have any excellent employees who pre-date your time as a manager, who were hired despite a lack of a preferred qualification? How are they working out?
It's especially important to consult with your HR department if you feel you're not getting enough good candidates and you suspect it has to do with the BFOQs.
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