This candidate rich environment we are in today, while challenging for many hit hard by this economy, will not be this rich for long. While I don't profess to have a crystal ball, I do believe many sectors in this market will recover much sooner than those making dire predictions akin to the Great Depression. Some sectors will have a very long recovery while others will see signs of hiring in the near term. Unemployment is still too high - but we may have reached a Tipping Pont in this job market.
The fear that has gripped us all (and many companies that still need good people) is starting to dissipate and I sense good things around the corner. We are much smarter. We have all learned valuable lessons as a result of what we have all been through. That's a good thing. Have these been tough times - yes - I get that (hey - I'm in the search business right?). For some of us, we have already seen positive changes and new habits from the people we work with and in ourselves. Personal savings and accountability will take the place of consumption. More goodness. Yes, the American worker and the employers we work for will all be better off as a result of what has transpired over the past 6-12 months - longer depending on where you live and work and what you have experienced in this crazy non-ending nightmare.
And guess what? News Flash: This job market will look and feel much better - much sooner than the pundits predict. While 401K's have taken a huge hit - they are starting to recover. So will this job market. Boomers will still be leaving the workforce soon, and even if the Boomer exit numbers are half of what we thought it would be - it will still be huge. Companies will be in a mad dash to hire for positions that have been on hold for months. The feeding frenzy will start - and the wheels on the bus go round and round.
It's time to look at things in a much brighter light. Spring has sprung, the stock market is showing signs of improvement - and yes, the flowers will be blooming in a matter of weeks. Hope will replace fear and all of a sudden our attitudes will improve. I know mine will. We will all experience our own personal NOVO (Latin meaning to make anew, refresh, revive, change, alter).
Yes - I feel it. And it feels pretty good. Hang in there - brighter days are just around the corner.
Editor's Note - Tim Tolan is a partner at Sanford Rose Associates and specializes in Executive Search in Healthcare IT. He's a closer, and you really don't want to call him unless you're ready to bring out the bazooka to bag some big game...














Not to sound like Pollyanna; but over the last few weeks there has been a noticeable increase in business development roles popping up on job sites...usually that’s a good sign that companies are ready to do business once again!
Posted by: Wally Greene | Tuesday, April 07, 2009 at 09:36 AM
Wally - it is a good sign - and we are seeing it too. Usually companies start with hiring revenue producing roles like sales and business development and other roles should follow soon. I think people are realizing that the sky is not falling and we will all prevail. Thanks for your post!
Posted by: Tim Tolan | Tuesday, April 07, 2009 at 09:48 AM
I couldn't agree more - more and more headlines have positive messages and most of my clients are seeing business pick up. I think messages like this are vital to our recovery!! Thanks Tim!
Posted by: Kathy Breitenbucher | Tuesday, April 07, 2009 at 10:07 AM
It is really picking up! And... it does feel good! Thanks Kathy!
Posted by: Tim Tolan | Tuesday, April 07, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Tim:
Nice to see a little optimism! I am seeing the same phenomenon beginning to happen around me. While things are still tough, I believe the "tip" is in motion, and we all have a role in bringing it!
Posted by: Ann Bares | Tuesday, April 07, 2009 at 04:30 PM
Yes, it is a good opportunity for employers to select the best.
Good time for candidates to upskill either by attending courses or learning online.
Posted by: John | Tuesday, April 07, 2009 at 06:19 PM
Tim...great post. Agree, we need to capitalize on this Spring thing and start our own personal recoveries. Everyone needs to stop waiting and start doing! Here's a great video you readers will probably appreciate. It's time to smile and move! http://bit.ly/BSEut
Posted by: Ron McNutt | Wednesday, April 08, 2009 at 08:04 AM
Ron: Thanks for sharing your video. There is something special about Spring that gives me a sense of renewal and a fresh start! I truly sense great things are just around the corner!
Posted by: Tim Tolan | Wednesday, April 08, 2009 at 09:01 AM