Because the job market collapse was so sudden and so deep, few were prepared for what happened.
That won't be the case with you.
It is pretty apparent that the financial markets in the US are suffering now and that CFO's at corporations will be hard-pressed to authorize much, if any, new hiring in 2008.
Layoffs have been plentiful in manufacturing for several years and, I expect, will broaden to other sectors.
The most important lesson I can give you from the last recession is this:
1. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A FUNCTIONING NETWORK OF RESOURCES IN PLACE IN CASE YOU NEED IT.
Connect with as many people as you can on LinkedIn, MySpace, Facebook, Xing and any other social network site that you can.
2. Exchange personal email addresses and phone numbers with co-workers and former co-workers.
3. Stay in the "good graces" with as many leaders in your organization, former organizations, as you can.
4. Have lunch with someone new and/or different every day.
5. Write your resume.
6. Get involved with a networking group pro actively.
If I am right, the US job market will slow down a lot beginning in the late 3rd quarter with more and more firms suspending new hires.
Don't wait for a crisis to take action.
Jeff Altman
The Big Game Hunter
Concepts in Staffing
thebiggamehunter@cisny.com
© 2007 all rights reserved.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm, He has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines since 1971. He is a Leader Emeritus of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.
To subscribe to Jeff’s free job search ezine, Head Hunt Your Next Job, or receive a daily digest of positions emailed to you, go to http://www.jeffaltman.com
If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at jeffaltman@cisny.com (If you’re looking for a new position, include your resume).
