Earlier today, I applied for an IT&S Manager position with a local hospital. Late this afternoon, I received a reply:

Christopher,

I appreciate your quick response. The hospital insists that all candidates have a healthcare background in a hospital setting.

I am sure that your experience and background will generate interest in the IT industry. Unfortunately, I am unable to assist you, being focused entirely in the healthcare industry.

Good luck,

Name removed Now, this is for an IT position, mind you. So they want their IT people to have a background in the healthcare industry. I can understand that. It makes sense to a degree. However, and someone correct me if they know of some cloning procedure to which the rest of us are not privy: people are not born with, nor enter the workforce, with any particular experience whatsoever. For me to obtain a "healthcare background,"it stands to reason that someone has to take a chance and give me a shot, does it not? It's the age-old catch-22: "We're looking for someone with experience in this area." "How am I supposed to gain experience in this area unless someone gives me a chance at it?" It's not like I can up and start my own hospital tomorrow to gain a "healthcare background."