Yes, this is what I meant. We want companies to take a chance on people who might not have perfect resumes, or for new ventures that might not work out. This gives people without traditional bona fides a chance to prove themselves, and to get experience.
I was only in the job market very briefly before giving up on the whole mess and starting a business. I didn't finish college, so it was brutal. The jobs I did get were non-traditional companies who took a chance on me. Sales jobs in particular will give anyone a chance to prove themselves. I came to deeply appreciate that.
For developers, sure. For other professionals, the market is not white hot. From the article, it looks like it was mostly commercial brokers and brokerage supporting staff who were laid off. I don't know the job market in NYC, so I can't comment on how hard it will be for them to find another job (after they were hired in late 2014 for this one).
As far as "the 37Signals way", that path isn't right (or even available) to every company.
I was only in the job market very briefly before giving up on the whole mess and starting a business. I didn't finish college, so it was brutal. The jobs I did get were non-traditional companies who took a chance on me. Sales jobs in particular will give anyone a chance to prove themselves. I came to deeply appreciate that.