Is the hiring problem actually the fault of HR departments?

I’ve sent out dozens of résumés over the past year and rarely do I get more than an automated reply. Yet I keep reading that employers can’t fill the positions they’re advertising. Could it be that the problem isn’t with the job applicants, but the HR departments?

I feel your pain. Let me give you a peek inside the mysterious world of employer recruitment. One benefit of technology in the job search process is access to thousands of jobs online where you can find great opportunities that match your skills and experience and apply with one click. One downside of technology in the recruiting process is now millions of other candidates can just as easily do the same thing. Which is why relying on job postings online alone is the least effective way to find a job. The more aggressive candidates also look for people in their network who are in some way connected to the company they are applying to, and try to get a personal introduction. You need to do that too to increase your chances.

I worked for a local film production company which made the crew state they were independent contractors. During the shoot, a crew member broke an arm, resulting in huge medical bills. When the patient tried to file a workers’ compensation claim, they were told the production company did not have insurance. The executive producer has been reimbursing the crew member but is now distancing himself. What’s the best recourse?

New York State’s workers’ compensation laws require that employers continuously provide for workers’ compensation benefits for all employees. If people are under the employer’s direct control, generally including day labor, leased employees, borrowed employees, part-time employees, unpaid volunteers and most subcontractors, the person providing direction is considered the employer. Employers who don’t carry insurance are subject to severe penalties and can be prosecuted, as well as being liable for lost wages and the cost of medical care for injured workers. In your case, this is now a complicated legal matter and the recourse is to speak to an attorney.

Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a chief human resources executive. Hear Greg Weds. at 9:35 a.m. on iHeartRadio 710 WOR with Len Berman and Michael Riedel. E-mail: GoToGreg@NYPost.com. Follow: GoToGreg.com and on Twitter: @greggiangrande