No one will deny it is a tricky time for any profession right now, but being in Recruiting is especially challenging. Many people automatically assume recruiting has stopped. Though this may be true in many hard hit areas, in some companies recruiting is still going at full throttle.
This series of posts is designed to help you ready for an economic upswing. Last week's tips included: beefing up your online presence, combining resources across the company, knowing your metrics, and taking advantage of the surplus of excellent talent available.
Here are this week's tips:
11. Use free agents, contractors, and student placements
Talent “without strings attached” such as contractors and consultants are popular choices in these credit crunched times because of the flexibility they offer. Also consider student placements – this can be a “win-win” situation for both parties. Make sure you check out our “15-minute guide to graduate recruitment” for more information on this subject.
12. Consider the options
When times are tough, some employees may welcome less drastic measures like pay cuts, mandatory holidays, and two-week shutdowns, in lieu of a full scale downsizing. This can be better on morale as well. Consider all cost-cutting options, and remember that employees are usually in a good position to judge which cuts are too near to the bone.
13. In-source and cut back on full service agencies
Full service agencies are expensive. Bring some of that work in-house and do it yourself. In-source what you have previously out-sourced. Unbundle packaged services. Place an emphasis on virtual sourcing. It’s all do-able with a little knowledge. You can place your own Job board ads and for a small fee, some job boards will let you search their databases.
14. Be aware of changing motivators
With today’s financial market, stock options are no longer the lure they used to be. Think hard about recruiting outside your geographical area. With dropping house prices and an unstable mortgage environment, relocation is out of the question for many candidates. Instead, focus on things like job security. Other areas that carry more weight in an economic crisis include fulfilling work, flex-time, and other benefits.
15. Learn to deal with a cynical audience
Though your company may be in great financial shape and whiter than white, it’s a sad reality that many people have lost confidence with the way businesses are run. This means everything you publicise has to be ultra credible and believable. Is it time to re-examine what you are saying about your company? Make every word count. Once you are happy with your policies, make sure you communicate them clearly. Are they on your web site?
Look out for next week's tips on Friday.
-Susannah
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