We are facing our most challenging economic slowdown since the early nineties, and we are being bombarded with negativity from every corner of the media.
It is obviously a very difficult time for all of us, and being a recruitment business C&M Recruitment finds itself at the sharp end of all the fallout.
However, I feel it is important to go beyond the negative headlines. History tells us that there will be businesses that find themselves in a much stronger position when the economy recovers, and there are fantastic opportunities in the number and quality of travel professionals in the job market.
We currently have on our books the strongest, most experienced and most motivated candidates that I can remember. If these people had been available six months ago we would have had our arms bitten off, but at the moment they are looking around in vain.
But there are a few forward-thinking businesses looking past the current downturn and cherry-picking people that they would not have been able to get their hands on a few months ago. They know that with a strong team in place they will be well positioned to make some serious hay when the sun starts to shine again.
Admittedly some businesses will be focused on short-term survival, but the benefits of recruiting aren’t just long-term – with the right people in place, you will be better able to cope with the economic crisis going on now.
I would argue that the downturn will be a short, if acute, period of pain. Those that can see the gems in the current recruitment market will find themselves in a very good position when the clouds begin to part. There is always opportunity in adversity for those willing to grasp it.