Wednesday May 27th 2009

There's no denying that being a recruiter in today's market isn't easy. What with a new wave of challenges and more recently, press interest in a few rogue recruiters, the industry's taken a bit of a blow. James Caan

Q: I am an exceptionally talented recruiter who has worked across the globe within telecoms, IT and a mix of other industries. After I was made redundant last year, I really struggled to pick myself up again. I have since set up my own recruitment agency, along with a career management programme to help those recently made redundant, however with the market as tough as it is, I cannot seem to raise funding so I'm wondering whether to leave this and try and get a job? AS

A There's no denying that being a recruiter today isn't easy. What with a new wave of challenges and more recently, press interest in a few rogue recruiters – the industry's taken a bit of a blow. Over the 20 years I've been in the business, I've experienced a number of hurdles and understand the angst recruiters are facing.

This time last year there was still a shortage of candidates. This year the tables have turned. And with an increasing number of companies radically cutting their recruitment spend, I'd expect some established recruiters do feel as though they're coming to the end of their tether and are considering shutting up shop.

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To this female reader, I'd suggest that it's what you do with this "quiet spell" that will ultimately set you apart from the competition.

Companies are now looking at their workforce, and reviewing whether they have the "right people on the bus". In these times, they'll need a knowledgeable point of contact, someone that will present them with candidates who'll only add value.

If you've got an impressive recruitment background, use it. Dismiss this economic period as, quite simply, a quiet spell.

Failing this, if you've assessed your situation and your heart really isn't in it any more, consider utilising your skills in a similar industry. Your email touches on a career management programme – have you thought of sidestepping into a career guidance or job advice role? Whether you explore this option as a business venture or by looking at what the public sector is offering – it's a great starting point to put your candidate management skills into practice once again.

Another recruiter contacted me asking: "The recruitment market is in turmoil. How would you approach clients in the current market to ensure growth within your business?"

I'd suggest using this period to identify better services for your clients.

This period of turmoil will have presented clients with the opportunity to explore different ways to recruit, whilst driving down costs. The new methods will offer them high quality candidates at a fraction of the price.

Exploit the current market conditions by starting to build much stronger relationships with clients. Begin to deliver more tailored services that will make a positive difference to their new "streamlined teams". This uncertain time will have pushed them to be more creative with their recruitment strategies, so you're going to have to be much more responsive to their needs. And when the UK has shaken itself out of the recession, you'll prevail.

James Caan is founder and chief executive of Hamilton Bradshaw and founded and ran recruitment group Alexander Mann between 1985 and 2002.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk