idealpeople blog

We’ve been trying really hard to avoid the whole topic of the big “R” but with the Chambers of Commerce convinced that the recession is on the way we thought we’d send out some hope signals to anyone out there who is wondering what effect it will have on their chances of getting a new job.

We’re all aware of the impact of the credit crunch and oil prices, and impact on businesses was inevitable - as it always is when consumers are worse off. But what’s going to happen to the job-seeker in these times? What impact does a recession actually have, and what can be done about it?

1) Fewer jobs, more competition
It is probable that there will be fewer jobs around. Broadly speaking, in harder times when the level of work has dropped, companies have two choices: trim back the workforce so it matches workload or seek more workload (good news for salespeople in the sense of availability of jobs, although maybe bad news in that no-one’s got any money you it’s harder to sell anything).

This means two things: redundancies and recruitment freezes. Or in other words, fewer jobs and more people fighting over what there is.

This in itself could have implications for candidates: more competition means less power to candidates and less scope for salary negotiations. And of course, in a world where living costs are escalating this is in itself very bad news.

Location, Location, Location
Another problem is likely to be location. Most people urgently looking for a new position will find themselves in a situation where local is the only option, as relocation becomes a bit of a problem. In a strong housing market, it’s relatively (which is an important word) easy to up sticks and move. Pop the house on the market, sell it the next day and off we go. With the state of the UK Housing market as it is, this is no longer the case. Relocation for home-owners in the short-term has become tricky.

Have we depressed you yet? Fear not, dear readers, because here’s Idealpeople’s guide to weathering the storm….

Look for something different
The technology is pretty unpredictable at the best of times, but it’s worth remembering that banks do still have lots of money. If the sector you’re in is struggling, look elsewhere - because if there’s money to be made, investment will be flowing in. Our hot tips include Green Energy/Clean-Tech/Renewable Energy, Security, Biometrics, Cloud Computing, SaaS and HPC/High-Performance-Computing, UI/User Experience, IPTV and Digital Broadcast and Defence.

Think outside the box
Let’s be honest - every candidate is going to be trawling the jobsites. So, instead, do what the majority aren’t - either approach companies direct (top tip: www.linkedin.com) or find a specialist headhunter or recruiter to go after local companies direct. Good recruiters know exactly who is doing what in the industry and exactly who to speak to - so make use of them.

Think like Candidate 2.0
Candidate 2.0 likes social networking, knows his or her USPs and isn’t afraid to be pro-active. You need to think like Candidate 2.0. Re-write (do not add to) your CV - using a benefit-led approach (click here) and don’t be afraid of direct approaches using e-mail, LinkedIn, Skype, MSN or Facebook.

Be brave
Recession? What recession? That’s got to be your approach. Despite the economic conditions, you have saleable skills. Economic conditions don’t make you unemployable - so be brave, know your strengths and don’t assume the worst. Find a company which matches your approach an you won’t go far wrong.

Of course, you’ll save yourself a whole lot of time by getting in touch with us and getting us to do the legwork for you…but blatant plugs aren’t what we’re for. Well, OK then, just a bit. Click here to register with us )