Jobs, or lack there of...

With the new Jobless numbers out today, now at 7.6% and still rising (as I believe they will continue to, likely to double digits), it strikes further fear in many- both those who are now out of work and seeking a job and even those who still have a job. Similarly, the continued claims and those still filing for unemployment is on the rise; meaning people are getting laid off and cannot find new work. And as when adding negative numbers, this creates an even greater negative sum total. Certainly there are an array of thoughts and opinions on stimulus spending vs. tax cuts, on whose shoulders the burden of fiscal responsibility sits, and how long and deep this recession/depression will cut our economy. I am not here to debate these things, nor to take sides, but to offer some thoughts and insights into the current climate of employers- and employees.

We have all seen, and most-assuredly felt, the cuts in wages (statistical or not) over the last 18 months; and most know the fierce competition in the job market right now- both of those who will work for less and those who are 'significantly more qualified' and will work for the same compensation- or less. Some companies are taking advantage of this by squeezing more juice out of the proverbial turnip (aka. employee) and making them take less to do more, as many now have 1 person doing 3 people's jobs since the other 2 are no longer there. Likewise, a few employers are re-stocking their employee-shelves and letting tenured, vested and very capable employees go to get even more seasoned and seemingly over-qualified individuals in those seats- for the same paycheck mind you.

I say all of this not to dig the pit of our tough, if not negative, reality even deeper; but to let those who may stumble upon and read this know my empathetic understanding. My company, a recruiting and placement business (http://www.ExecutiveSearchandPlacement.net/), operates in the resort real estate and luxury hospitality industries; and we receive numerous resumes each day from stellar (and hopeful) candidates. With that being said, I would like to offer a few thoughts that I hope may be helpful.

First, being that a 7.6% unemployment rate means there is a 92.4% employment rate, if you are one of the many who is gainfully employed:

Maintain your focus! Do not let all of the superfluous negativity affect you or distract you from your job and the tasks at hand.

Do NOT act out of fear! You were hired for a good reason, and you are still employed for a reason. Do what you know how to do, and do it the best you can.

The company is vested in you- most know it is less expensive and easier and better to keep you doing what you do than to replace you with somebody because their resume might have a few more bullet points. BUT now is the time to further embrace positivity, more production, longer hours, team building, and a better attitude.

Now, for the millions who are (and I'm sorry to say, will be) without a job:

Don't be discouraged! Your situation is NOT unique to you- and nobody looks down upon you for losing your job. If you think and feel dejected for being ejected, you will surely act rejected. And to borrow a phrase: putting a suit and smile on a dejected candidate for an interview is like putting lipstick on a pig.

Expand your search! I always tell candidates, "the bigger pond you fish in, the more bites you'll get." This goes for geographic locations as well as other industries which require parallel skills. Don't take just any opportunity, but don't be too picky. Ensure your set ramifications and parameters are met by the position and that the company is stable and financially secure, but don't go overboard.

Think! You will not get hired, nor even go to Round II interviews if you are more qualified than the direct superior; that's what they call 'job security'! A boss doesn't want a subordinate who has more expertise than they do and is obviously willing to work for less. So, approach the opportunity appropriately.

Remember, in the words of a man much greater than me, "This too shall pass."

Please let us at ESP know if we can be of service to you in your search for the right people or for your next opportunity.

Thanks for reading; until next time...

Jason Weaver
Executive Search and Placement
Jason@ESandP.net