Economic Downturns are “Turning Points”

The tech industry is a wonderful vertical that will never “go away” since it reinvents itself by always developing new technologies to replace outdated ones.

Businesses that are reticent to spend cash to invest in their human capital may fall and new ones will rise to take their place.

This recession is forcing companies to cut their spending and act more conservatively. However, they must re-evaluate this paradigm and be in a healthy, strong position when the boom times return. By playing it conservatively safe today, this practice actually decreases a company’s options to be competitive.

Posted by: Beverly A. Kahn, Founder / President, New Dimensions in Technology (NDT)

FUD - Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt

Fear, uncertainty, and doubt seem to permeate our employment landscape today. However, this new year offers our client companies and candidates a chance to refocus their efforts – perhaps even reinvent themselves.

We know from past recessions that budgets will be cut and tough decisions will have to be made. It varies where the cuts will be made.

There will be new investments. Investing during recessionary times may help a company increase its competitive edge. Ignoring investments will cost even more in the game of “catch up.”

Retaining top talent takes on a new life in a recession. There may not be an endless supply of job openings, but true to history, exceptional workers can always be enticed by something better.

Companies should always be alert to keeping the “BEST” employees on board and attracting the "BEST" new talent. This is a time when experienced companies reach out to placement professionals to find that “one of a kind candidate” who may catapult the organization to greatness.

Posted by: Beverly A. Kahn, Founder / President, New Dimensions in Technology (NDT)

Communication and Good Manners Critical Components in 2009

This is my fifth recession in 30 years of business. Recruiting companies in the technology sector seem to be affected in a six to seven year cycle.

This recession does have a different style. Unlike the harsh recession post 9/11, there are jobs openings in High-Tech. Many client companies are still hiring Engineers, QA, Pre-Sales, and Product Management professionals. Companies that have slowed hiring or have put a hold on hiring, have asked us to remain in touch with them as they are likely to hire again at some point in 2009.

In previous recessions, client companies did not share this level of optimism and communication with agency partners. In many cases, all hiring came to an abrupt halt and communication with agency partners was severed. However, in 2009, clients who have put using recruiting firms on a “holding pattern” are checking in and letting us know that we should keep actively in touch.

Good manners are always in vogue whether the economy is in a recession or boom time. There are many good quality companies, human resource professionals, and hiring managers who understand the value a good recruiting agency partner brings, and they know that when the economy does turn around and strong candidates are scarce, strong relationships with their recruiting partners will be critical to meet new demands on their business.

Posted by: Beverly A. Kahn, Founder / President, New Dimensions in Technology (NDT)