As I have been following up with our employers on jobs that became active before COVID-19 restrictions, they have been more optimistic than pessimistic when it comes to hiring for 2020…until recently. Over the last week of April, my largest accounts have begun to posture as if it was 2007, not looking to cut people but wanting to not add anyone unless absolutely necessary. Most of them have been almost fully staffed, ready for the busy season prior to the COVID-19 disruption. We have been tracking remote opportunities that were expected to be hiring in the second quarter and other positions that were immediate hire. Not so much now.
As COVID-19 started to impact our industry, up to the last week or two, most employers were still willing to consider top level candidates or promising candidates who are local or open to relocate. Fast forward to now, April 30th, and almost every client is saying: hold or cancel until they get back to me. We all know JobLine won’t wait for them to get back to us, but out of respect for the hardships they are managing, we are only reaching out if an outstanding candidate, especially one who will relocate, and one who is a perfect match for them is available. Once we see a light at the end of the tunnel, I will contact all employers to see if they are ready to restart their searches. As we did during the Great Recession, JobLine will continue to work with candidates to make sure they are ready for Prime-Time once opportunities that fit their goals reopen.
We need to prioritize our efforts to take care of displaced industry professionals who need full-time employment. For that reason, I have put all but actively confirmed opportunities on a temporary hold. I am also not actively working remote design jobs unless an employer has an immediate need.
If you are having financial hardship, reach out to me and make an appointment to discuss your options. You can schedule an appointment here.
Thomas McAnally – President
TheJobLine.com