While the pandemic has certainly caused disruption to the employment market, and many workers have been laid off or furloughed, recruiters need to tell their candidates that employers are hiring. Global recruiters will need to inform their candidates that different strategies may be necessary to find the jobs that they want. Because furloughed workers are not necessarily unemployed, and can be called back by their employers, the current market is ripe for recruiters to work directly with candidates. Candidates should be working on discreet, undercover, and confidential searches. Recruiters are a perfect fit for the search that furloughed candidates are pursuing.
Addressing Resume Gaps
For furloughed workers it is important for them to share with their recruiter that they have been furloughed from their current job. Their resumes should indicate their past employer as their present employer. Since there is a chance of return to the current employer, this is completely appropriate. If a candidate has been terminated by their employer, they need to update their resume with the date of last employment. In these times, there are many highly qualified and high performing employees that are furloughed or even unemployed. Smart employers are tuned into this reality and are working closely with global recruiters to fill highly important roles within their organizations. Savvy employers are aware that quality candidates on furlough will quite often do a discreet search through a global recruiter.
Hot Industries
Candidates should be aware that many employers are hiring and some industries and segments of the economy are hotter than ever. While it may be attractive to consider changing careers, candidates should be aware that recruiters are most effective in placing candidates in their existing area of expertise. Some specific industries that are hiring are related to education, banking real-estate and investment, delivery and supply chain, and information technology employers in all areas. While other segments like manufacturing have slowed, quality people are still being sought out for key roles.
Stay Realistic/Stay Motivated
Job seekers have long been told that networking is the key to finding their next good job. While this is still good advice, it is certainly more difficult and challenging in the world of social distancing and a global pandemic. This is one of the reasons it is very important and quite helpful to seek the services of a quality recruiter. If you are going it alone as a candidate, find ways to keep yourself motivated and active in your job search. Scheduling time to look for open jobs and apply to them is critical. It is equally important to find time to follow up and make phone calls to inquire about applications already made. One of the great things about this time of pandemic, is that many employers are working from home and are typically more available then they might have been in their office environment with scheduled meetings out of the office and away from their desks. Leverage availability to your best ability and see if you can connect with the people making hiring decisions or the recruiters who frequently represent them.
Recruiters Have Superpowers
Many quality candidates have never worked with an independent recruiter. Help educate those who are unemployed or furloughed what value a recruiter can deliver. I like to think of recruiters as having superpowers. They frequently know about jobs that are not published or visible to anyone and have the ear of the hiring manager who will fill those crucial roles. In today’s world, that is a superpower!