Job hunters power on despite recession

Job hunters power on despite recession

Despite the economic downturn candidates are as confident as ever when it comes to their careers and seeking out new opportunities, reports the head of a top Auckland executive recruitment firm.

Iain MacGibbon, CEO of FarrowJamieson, says that in past recessions staff decided to stay put – rather than risk jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. But this time around he and his colleagues are seeing candidates who are fully prepared to leave their jobs and take a chance with a new employer.

“Candidate behaviour is different during this recession when compared to others I have experienced,” says MacGibbon. “During this recession candidates have shown a degree of risk taking not seen in past downturns.

“In past recessions candidates have been cautious about moving from the supposedly known risks of their existing company and taking a chance in a new role in a different company which may end badly.”

But evidence from people Farrow Jamieson’s staff are placing is clear – the downturn is not getting in the way of good opportunities – particularly if job hunters have lost confidence in their current employer to make good choices during tough times.

“Discussing this issue with candidates we have concluded that the overall impact of this recession is so widespread that candidates believe that even their existing employer may no longer be ‘safe’,” says MacGibbon. “In my experience, over several recessions, this behaviour is quite unique.”

His advice to employers is to treat staff well and not use the recession as an excuse for poor decision-making and for putting undue pressure on loyal workers.

“It is in times such as these that good managers can stand out by keeping their staff feeling confident and helping them succeed,” says MacGibbon. “Firms whose managers buckle and cause their staff to feel unsettled risk losing their good people to their competitors.

“We all know the downturn will not last forever. Many firms are using this time to pick up strong players who are looking for places where they can add value and enjoy even greater success come the inevitable economic upturn.”

ENDS

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