In light of recent unemployment figures, and a continual downturn in the labor market, many unemployed professionals are finding themselves in a bind when their benefits or severance packages are depleted. It is not easy to compete with 300-600 resumes for one job. Those seeking jobs through postings on the web or through a professional recruitment service must consider a new place to live as well as a new employment situation -- if they are serious about the jobs they are applying for.
For 14 years, Steve Hall has made a career in connecting great companies with great people in the IT industry, which is famous for turnover. Job seekers and companies in the post-911, post-dot.com and post-Enron business environment rely upon Hall and Find Great People (FGP) International, for worldwide recruitment services. Find Great People relocates to a new office in late October with complete with state-of-the-art equipment at 150 Executive Center Drive, B-82, Greenville, South Carolina in October.
Steve Hall has been a recruiter with the same company since 1989. He counseled and placed job seekers in positions through the downturn of the early Nineties, when another war was raging in Iraq. Despite the fact that politicians and business leaders may not be calling this downturn a recession, from a recruiter's standpoint, these are definitely tough times. "In April 2001, the severity of it hit everyone around the country," said Steve. He continued, "Since April 2001, it's like being buried in mud. You have rises and falls. For a month or two there is hiring, like the flame is lit ? then suddenly it drops back. This all weighs heavily on the minds of those in the labor force."
Some professions, like health care, seem to be booming. But others, like IT, are on a long swing down. Job seekers are looking for an edge to be more competitive. Steve Hall believes relocation issues may be one key to unlocking the corporate mentality behind hiring in these times. "Differentiating factors between likely candidates for a job are important," says Mr Hall. "Does the person have a two year or four year degree or a Master's Degree? Is the potential candidate located within reasonable proximity, or will he/she have to relocate ? and at whose expense? In addition, what are the costs of bringing someone in for an interview?"
As dastardly as it may sound, many companies are forgoing interview and relocation expenses for new employees since budgets are tight. "Let's face it, relocation adds cost to a company's recruiting efforts," said Mr. Hall, "and the financial decision makers do not want to spend extra money on relocation." So how do companies still manage to hire top talent onto their team? "They often look locally for employees first," noted Steve. "Then a company may cover a one hundred mile radius, whichis considered a commutable distance. Once these outlets are exhausted, they may launch a search in a multi-state area."
Knowing these tactics exist, perhaps job seekers would be better served to seek employment within these distances first. Or, if the job hunter is willing to relocate, then the individual must entertain the idea of paying their own relocation expenses. Costs for company relocation can range from $3,000 to $20,000. "Some companies are still willing to pay relocation fees," said Mr. Hall, "because they see a good employee as a wise investment. But it is not uncommon for potential employees to pay for their own relocation these days."
It's a hard pill to swallow, especially for job seekers who are on tight budgets themselves after a six-month to one-year or longer stint of unemployment. But cutting costs for companies now means passing it on to the job seeker. Perhaps sensing desperation on the job market, companies have decided they can now ask this of potential employees, without even a nod of disapproval from anyone.
What is the best approach for the job seeker who is willing to relocate in order to continue to work in their profession? "Speak to your family or those you cohabitate with first before applying to other areas, and see how they feel about the move," advises Mr. Hall. "Ask some important questions of yourself. For instance, Is it within your financial budget to consider paying to move yourself and your loved ones?" If the answer is yes to all of these questions, Mr. Hall recommends the job seeker proceeds with an interstate search. "Don't wait until the job offer appears before weighing these considerations," he reiterated.
About The Author
Elizabeth Kirwin is a freelance write who has published her work in national newspapers and magazines; shall@findgreatpeople.com
* Has it been awhile since you explored career options?*... Read More
Many people would love to get a better job. And... Read More
Millions of Un-Sung Heroes are born every minute! They are... Read More
Hollywood helps those who help themselves! In you want to... Read More
Most people at some point in their lives have to... Read More
REJECTION IN THE JOB SEARCHGOT YOU DOWN?It's true, no one... Read More
Retirement might be the answer when you ask yourself "why... Read More
There is a major difference between conventional resumes and executive... Read More
Marketing-with-Intent precisely drives you to your target and with greater... Read More
If you can hold on to an optimistic belief in... Read More
Do you want to change your job but don't know... Read More
Let's face it, most of us consider professional success and... Read More
Being a reflexologist is one of the top five career... Read More
Electronic Resume Writing Tips That Boost Your Interview Appointment SuccessBefore... Read More
Jobs in speech writing are amongst the most difficult to... Read More
When it comes to modern career development, one thing we... Read More
1.0 A timely reminderIn a recent decision in a New... Read More
We've all heard it before: "Just get out there and... Read More
Disadvantages of Resume SoftwareFormat A large majority of software requires... Read More
We often use the phrase, "Get Your Feet Wet" when... Read More
The best cover letters are 'one-page wonders.' Why? Because they... Read More
Do you want to know how to jump-start your professional... Read More
1) Build a Relationship With Your BossLike it or not,... Read More
I'm the type of person that considers a healthy, enjoyable... Read More
HOW TO WRITE A RESUME-MISTAKE #1NEVER USE THE WRONG PAPER!... Read More
You finally did it. You made the decision to leave... Read More
Most people spend approximately 25% to over 67% of their... Read More
Every human body is different and a personal trainer will... Read More
(DES MOINES, Iowa ? January 26, 2005) The fateful final... Read More
Do you feel like one in a million at work... Read More
If you still picture a steady progression up the ladder... Read More
(Des Moines, Iowa - February 2, 2005) Behaving appropriately during... Read More
When John applied for a job at Oakland Company, his... Read More
This year we are experiencing the most dynamic and rapidly... Read More
So you've figured out, more or less what you want... Read More
It's clear there are a number of common issues faced... Read More
Anyone who is a jobseeker knows that looking for a... Read More
You've looked at all the job interview tips and techniques.... Read More
Have you been desperately looking for a job and keep... Read More
Actually, "the boomerang effect" is a relatively new trend of... Read More
1. Select the right type of recruitment partnerDetermine whether you... Read More
Mystery shoppers are people who are hired to scrutinize employees,... Read More
Q. "What do I do after a job goes away?"A.... Read More
Have you given up on yourself? Have you decided to... Read More
Unemployment carries a lot of emotional baggage for most of... Read More
When communication breaks down in your office or factory and... Read More
As professional recruiters working both retained and contingency search assignments,... Read More
The temptation to lie on a resume is great! How... Read More
So, you currently have a job but you are looking... Read More
Is your job search sagging? Are you still looking for... Read More
Do these things Include your full name - don't... Read More
Throughout the past decade, workplace diversity issues have allowed organizations... Read More
Most people would agree that the concept of a job... Read More
Ever wanted a job where you could spend all day,... Read More
Attention Job Seekers: Tasks and Responsibilities are BoooringHo hum. The... Read More
Use Proposal Marketing and you'll be your own hot spot,... Read More
The perfect resume presents hiring managers with a... Read More
It's a fact: the best jobs attract loads of competition.... Read More
When John applied for a job at Oakland Company, his... Read More
Hunting for a position in a new career field? Trying... Read More
The success of any business or organization depends largely on... Read More
If you are not busy living, then you must be... Read More
It takes between seven and seventeen seconds for a person... Read More
Powerful questions to get below the surface1. Ask for specific... Read More
In a time of economic downturn, international turmoil, company restructuring... Read More
You don't write a resume every day. Not even every... Read More
Careers, Jobs & Employment |