A New Layout for the New Normal

Note: This post was sent within a new email newsletter format for 2010.

"The New Normal"

This is the best phrase I've heard to describe the business environment in 2009.

The new normal as I understand it means companies are doing more with less. They are cutting operations costs whereever they can (including people) to survive. They are forced to provide service beyond what they needed to before, and may have to cut price to get people to buy.

I've also heard that our economic recovery is a "jobless recovery." Many of the positions eliminated may not be coming back, and if they do---they've morphed into multiple jobs with numerous responsibilities. You guys would know better than me, I do still think organizations are going to add people, but they are going to think about how it impacts their company, and if they can justify the cost.

As a direct-hire and contract recruiter, that means I have to be better. Producing better candidates, having a better process to attract those people, and communicating better information.

It starts with this newsletter. Designed as a tool to communicate information about trends in hiring---I've written about social media, ideas to retain your best employees, how to recruit salespeople, and how to keep in touch with applicants. (And yes, I also did it get my name out there and hopefully stand out.)

Any hiring manager that I've placed, talked to, recruited, or dropped our annual thanksgiving pie off too (my car stinks!)---got the newsletter.

Hopefully this information has been valuable, but it doesn't create jobs that need to be filled. This new format may not either, but it should be more encompassing as a networking and information resource for all who read it.

In the standard five point format, here's a tour of the new layout:

1) Hot Jobs: This column below will include an up to date listing of all the opportunities I am working on. By clicking on the link---you'll be forwarded to the job description on the QPS website. Perhaps you know of a colleague that is between jobs or is seeking a new opportunity. QPS will offer a $250 referral fee for any placed candidate. Also, feel free to use the job descriptions listed for your own positions that you're defining job roles for.

2) Hot Candiates: 95% of jobs are filled before they are even posted. Rather than going through the sometimes long and painful process of posting a job and waiting for response, simply glance at the candidate listed to see if they can help your organization.

3) Deal of the Week: With payrolling, outplacement, or simply getting your company started with social media,---perhaps there is some way our organization can provide value outside of headhunting.

4) Trivia: I can't recreate the rest of the Pub Quiz environment, but I did get a small budget to give away a $25 gift card each week.

5) Sports Chatter: I reserve the right to taper off with this if the Pack falters---but please chime in with any comments that you have.

As always, thanks for reading, and here's to a positive end to 2009 for your organization!