Recruitment during Recession and Recovery

Posted on 29. Aug, 2010 by editor in Business Advice

Whilst a downturn in the economy inevitably results in a reduction of job vacancies, the recruitment process remains key for those looking to seize upon opportunities during the following period of recovery.

Here, BEM asked Simon Gray, of financial recruitment specialists Cherry Professional, how the job market has changed recently, why the attitudes of employers may have changed and what an effective recruitment campaign should contain.

Gray commented ‘The recession’s had a significant impact on the recruitment market. Some firms have reduced head count in order to reduce costs, and then realised they’re short staffed, while others have simply postponed hiring decisions’

‘We have seen an increase in the number of candidates actively seeking work due to redundancy, downsizing or out of frustration at the lack of career progression where they are currently employed’

‘With fewer jobs available, there’s been less competition amongst employers in finding and hiring the best people for their businesses, and as a result less urgency in making hiring decisions. In a buoyant market, employers with a wish list of 10 key skills may have settled for 7 out of 10, whereas in the current climate some continue to hold out for the perfect 10 out of 10 candidate’

Cherry Professional recruit for businesses across the East Midlands and regularly advise clients on how to run a smooth and efficient recruitment campaign.

Some of their ‘Top Tips’ include:

Don’t leave your recruitment too late – anticipate candidate notice periods and the time to run the process
At interview sell the benefits of working for your business – your competitors might also be interviewing your preferred candidate
Maintain momentum at every stage of the recruitment process and stick to deadlines
Make the right offer first time and highlight all of the benefits

Gray continued ‘People often see recruitment as a barometer for performance in the rest of the economy. We are often asked when the market will come back, but in truth nobody knows. Once people start believing that things are getting better then they will, but until then we are all left with uncertainty. However, one thing is certain, firms will always need good staff and once found, retain them in their businesses!

Simon Gray can be contacted at simon@cherryprofessional.co.uk and further details can be found on www.cherryprofessional.co.uk