I have received calls from several (which means more than 2) recruiters these past few weeks. All had the same general questions for me: How’s business? Is the worst over? Have any job orders? What’s it like in your market? Is it safe to jump back in the water?
I’ve got news for you. Unless you plan to do something different to compete “this time around” you may as well hang it up!
So you were a big hit in the recruiting world before this whole thing crashed, eh? Made lots of money? Big deal. We all did! I’ve got news for you – it wasn’t you. It was the market. The mad skillz you thought you had were hardly unique. Post your job, sort through some resumes, blast them over (to the client that emailed you the job req) and make a placement. Life was simple enough. Life was good.
Guess what pal? That’s not gonna fly this time around. The game has changed. You better bring a different level of service.You don’t get to play this time unless you do something that sets you apart from the hordes of hopeful staffers wanting to jump back on the gravy train. So you better think about it.
Does your presentation sound exactly like the recruiter who called just before you? Will the recruiter calling “your client” have something a little more unique to offer? Are you better? Can you be? Will you be?
Sorry to bring you down – since you’re feeling pretty good having somehow survived the downturn. You feel the tough part is over – and you may be right. But some of you sense that you’ve somehow won the race……and you haven’t. You’ve merely survived long enough to compete again.
We’re starting a new race. You’re at the starting line. Look to your left – see them all? Look to your right – the competition is hungry!
Runners ready? On your mark. Get set. GO!
Jerry Albright 