Time...... The Biggest Deal Breaker In Recruiting

Back in March of 2008 there was no question the U.S economy was in the tank. Many displaced restaurant managers asked the big question; where are all the jobs? With the hospitality and retail sector taking big financial hits, restaurateurs have been faced with downsizing their workforce in order to survive. For those managers who were spared the dreaded pink slip, they have had to endure pay cuts, lost bonuses, longer hours and a reduction of hourly staff. One could argue who received the better deal!

Within the past sixty days, those of us in the recruiting field have already seen the shift in hiring. Companies are beginning to hire in what has traditionally been the busiest time of the year and this summer serves to be no different. Or is it? Those managers who have been dealt the blow of sacrificing more hours at the workplace, along with a decrease in pay, are determining that now is the time to begin looking for a company who will not subject them to the hell they currently live in. One would not imagine looking for a new position three months ago while the uncertainty of the economy kept everyone at bay. What was once thought of being grateful for being employed will now turn into a mass exodus of epic proportion.

As company recruiters are vulnerable to widespread layoffs, those left behind have double the workload and two serious problems on their hands. The first will be to try and fill those needs as a result of attrition, but most importantly will be to fill those needs left by managers who feel that it is now safe to look elsewhere and find greener pasture.

In one month, the number of active resumes in hospitality has increased by 19% as reported by the major job boards. The levels of exhaustion amongst managers are at an all time high and they will be seeking better opportunities. As a company recruiter, my main focus would be retention and get those managers out there some help! Take my word, as one new manager is brought into training, three will be turning in their notice. As recruiting departments shrink, company recruiters must begin to put hiring plans in place today. Think about it, the average time to recruit, interview and hire a new manager is on average twenty one days. Take into account a two week notice, and you’re pushing almost thirty days.

The time is NOW to fill your pipeline of quality managers....and don’t procrastinate! The candidate you interview today was interviewed by a competitor of yours a week ago. A "recruiters market" is all but complete. The dawn of a "candidates market" is just right around the corner and when it begins and if history is any indicator, this will be a company recruiter’s worst nightmare for the next eighteen months.

Time is the biggest deal breaker...