Jobless in December? Advice from Recruiting Pros

Last year Paul, a 60 year-old controller was hired on December 23, two days before Christmas. Our economy was already in the midst of turmoil but Paul got hired anyway. How?

Last month, Jenny, a 22 year-old young lady who really worked hard to build up her interview presentation muscle, accepted a smashing job offer from a company in San Francisco.They paid her relocation, gave her a generous sign-on bonus and a solid salary.  Evidently, she wasn’t paying attention that day in class when the professor lectured about the severe restrictions on entry- level hiring during a challenged economy.

Last week, Mary, having been laid off from selling software and previously plumbing devices, received a starting date for her dream job in medical device sales, that now pays $3,000 more than the last time she interviewed with the same company in 1998. Second time was a charm. Of course the second time occurred in late November 2008.

Here’s some advice from my recruiter alliances:

Tina Rieder, Managing Partner at Atrium Personnel reminds us that the largest employers in our area have been laying off people every year for many years, but now it is reported more frequently.  She wonders why media doesn’t feature those who start new jobs each week. According to Rieder, “Companies are still selling product and developing software applications to increase efficiencies. They are still replacing retirees, and companies are still creating marketing campaigns to boost sales.  All the basic parts of businesses are still in place.”

“Those individuals who set themselves apart from the pack through solid reputation, strong work ethic, positive attitude and professional image will get the offers.  Others who decide to wallow in the quagmire of negativity, using a ‘sagging economy’ as a crutch will not get hired.  Regardless of what is happening in the economy, no organization can afford negativity.

Jeff Hill, SPHR of Dawson Resources reinforces the fact that not only are companies hiring but they are wiling to invest in their searches. Hill states, “Employers are very much looking for specific skill sets that match up with the positions that are open. They want people that can hit the ground running because they don’t have the budgets or the personnel to train, and in this economy, they have the option to demand a perfect match. IT and Engineering candidates continue to be sought after as companies still need to take care of the basic needs of their organizations, and as usual in any economic downturn there are some companies that continue to grow and prosper. Alternative energy is an example.”

The message? There are still jobs and employers are still hiring. The solution? Stay tuned!

 

Comments

[Louisa]

Very interesting post. I recently came across a similar post about finding a job in the recession that might be of some interest at http://boston-jobs-blog.com. It is worth taking a look at, there are some other great tips in there that compliment your post very nicely.

[HR Jobs]

I think that it is a misconception that every sector and every firm is retrenching employees or not hiring, that's why the sombre mood.

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