Perhaps I’m suffering from a little recruiter’s fatigue or lack thereof? After all, this is supposed to be our busy time. We find ourselves back at square one, feverishly working from our abodes like the common cam girl. It’s disappointing, we did as we were told, and yet we seem to be flying past the metaphorical McDonalds we were promised if well behaved. That Maccas being normality. We’ve been experiencing normality ‘lite’ for the last few months; pubs were busy, sporting events were packed, there was even an attempt to care about the water levels of Auckland reservoirs. However, NZ wasn’t back to normal, not the NZ we know and love.
For many of us that arrived here in an airborne Mayflower in search of opportunity, prosperity, and purpose, Aotearoa represents the land of milk and honey. A better version of Australia that didn’t just tolerate ‘Poms’ but celebrated our Britannic quirks. Instead of being told to ‘rack orf’ there’s a very ‘Princess DI, Harry Po, Marry Pop’ view of us folk. I’m talking from my own perspective but plenty of my immigrated brethren have found safe harbor in NZ’s ample bosom. It’s been a mutually beneficial relationship for many a South African, Indian, European, South American, etc. Unless like Nationals Gerry Brownlee who thinks “Many Kiwis have only one or two overseas holidays in their lives” presumably boarding Boeing 1, dart in hand dressed in their Sunday best. Many a kiwi hops over to Blighty, more specifically London on the ol OE in search of work and gets quite the taste for travel. Making the coming and going of people an integral part of life in NZ.
Unfortunately, this turn of the tap at the borders has affected all industries and those that recruit in them, from software developers to project managers. Recruiters are having to rely on their networks more, sourcing for candidates is becoming more of a head-hunting exercise as appose to chucking an ad up and filtering through the responses. There’s an air of SkyNet rebellion. Down the years I’ve sat through ample talks on ‘How AI Will Change the World of Recruitment’ trying not to feel personally attacked that my career can be ‘made easier’ via an algorithm identifying keywords on a CV. It’s two fingers up to the bots and reassuring a skill can’t be digitalized. Supply has changed but demand is just the same in fact, it’s become higher and mightier. Your client’s less likely to take a punt, see the potential, and wants absolutely all boxes ticked. Those boxes being; networked, consistent, successful and those candidates being gainfully/thankfully employed
A good question to ask Mr/Mrs. Client who’s searching for the crème de la crème candidate; what is it you’re offering to entice this golden goose away from the pond they know and in some cases now love? The candidate is taking a huge risk by moving and earning the moniker of ‘last one in’. Your client will have no doubt advertised the role before contacting you. After fishing in the candidate pool, and reeling in the satirical boot, license plate and shopping trolley that’s when the idea to spend money on a hire becomes a reality. That isn’t to say those that are out of the job weren’t good at their job, if this week has taught us anything; there’s so much out of our hands. If I apply this to our recruitment industry; if a rec con is out of the job because their client base freezes recruitment can they be blamed? No, but they can be made redundant. These unlucky consultants have to be patient. A lot will come down to the delivery of a story; why were you made redundant? Every recruitment consultant should be asking that to the demographic of their candidate base that’s immediately available. To turn the gun on ourselves; if you’re a rec con and not a fan of BD or didn’t have an established network then your wait on the shelf will be longer than others.
It might be a little early for a Christmas reference but this time of year makes me nostalgic for the old country. It’s cold, a bit miserable with money going out fast than coming in. If you recall the plot from 1996’s festive holiday hit Jingle all the way Turbo Man is that years must-have toy. Everyone from Arnie to Sindbad is clambering for this coveted icon of capitalism. Hilarity ensues but it’s a point, without supply people panic. If you don’t come with a jetpack and kung fu chop action then understand you won’t be fawned over. Tickle me Elmo was 96’s toy of Christmas incidentally kicking off a literal shopping frenzy but no matter how desperate you get, do NOT let your potential employer tickle you to the point of laughter.
