For those despondent about the employment prospects that lay ahead in 2010, there are encouraging signs that companies are starting to reverse a long trend of layoffs, pay cuts and furloughs.
For those despondent about the employment prospects that lay ahead in 2010, there are encouraging signs that companies are starting to reverse a long trend of layoffs, pay cuts and furloughs. A fourth quarter hiring forecast executed by Careerbuilder.com in conjunction with USA Today reveals inspiring trends that may give job seekers a much needed boost in morale.
The survey was conducted across a breadth of industries nationwide over a 20 day period, beginning August 20th and ending September 9th. Over 2,900 hiring managers and human resources professionals took park part. Although the data overall suggests that hiring trends are still cautious, there are indications many companies are starting to thaw survivalist business practices in expectation that 2010 will hold a greater deal of economic promise.
Matt Ferguson, CEO of Careerbuilder.com, backs up the report findings and stated that “Companies are switching their focus from cost containment to growth. Employers who have instituted pay cuts or layoffs in the past year are reporting that they have begun to restore compensation levels and rehire employees.”
Mr. Ferguson followed up on that optimism with cautionary words for those that think want ads will suddenly spring up like mushrooms on a front lawn after a big storm: “While these are positive indicators, the pace of hiring will remain restrained. It will take time to rebuild the confidence needed in the nation’s economy to trigger more robust recruitment programs.”
It is engaging and bright news nonetheless. A year ago many employers were bunkered down and following a strict schedule of cost containment and simple survival. The concept of hiring new employees could be construed as heresy to some businesses holding on for dear life.
Likewise, “out of work” individuals found the employment landscape bleaker than a high noon in California’s Death Valley. The few viable employment options left were the fought over fiercely and everyday there was a new story in the media regarding former corporate officers waiting tables to make ends meet.
It’s almost as though optimism is a dirty word these days with few people willing to admit there are signs of recovery afoot. Although the 2009 4th quarter report conducted by Careerbuilder.com doesn’t state that everyone will be employed in the next few months, it does show trends indicating employers are seeing improvement in the economy overall.
Larger companies are beginning to hire more permanent full time employees. Laid off workers are starting to be called back to fill the positions they were forced to leave behind. Employers are beginning to prepare for economic recovery as potential business prospects improve. Restoration of pay cuts and implementation of salary increases for more employees are also very positive signs.
So, take heart job seekers. All that perseverance, hard work and tenacity isn’t a lost cause. It’s been said the hour before dawn is always darkest and it certainly looks as though dawn is approaching at long last. Stay tuned to the IAmScreened.com blog as we will continue to bring you news regarding our nation’s economic recovery and, as always, tips, tactics and advice for the dedicated job seeker.
I like that Careerbuilder is optimistic but cautious about the recovery. Obviously there is room to be optimistic but at the same time tempered with caution. The country simply just cant rush back into prosperity without some careful steps being taken first.
Amen! This is great news for everyone. A lot of people had to put their lives into perspective when the economy went down. Many people were simply living out of their means. I hope everyone is smarter the second time around. I am blessed and very thankful that I have held on to my job.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Nathan Taggart, I Am Screened.com. I Am Screened.com said: 4th Quarter hiring trends give hope for 2010: http://bit.ly/8QzPqg [...]
It’s important to keep in mind that there are still a lot of people competing for the best jobs. The first jobs to come available at the end of a recession are typically lower paying jobs, since it’s less risky and expensive for a cash-strapped company to add entry-level jobs. If you’re looking for a senior level position, you still need to be aggressive and creative in your approach: have a top-notch resume, bring your own background check and credentials, dress sharp, interview well, network, etc.
This is really good news. I know things won’t get fixed overnight, but at least there’s a little light at the end of the tunnel. I really appreciate the help from this blog and the Iamscreened website.
This is great news! My Uncle Dwight has been looking for a job for over 6 months and it has been very tough on him I hope this New Year brings hope to him and others who are in need of a job!
[...] This post was Twitted by merduth [...]
Great news! I think employers will remain cautious of their hiring decisions though. Now that they’ve learned how to really put some effort into hiring the right people, I’ll bet that process will stick with them. I sure wouldn’t drop my guard if I were an employer.
Its about time. I have friends that have been looking for work for close to a year. Here’s hoping this “trend” continues and all those still desperately seeking employment find it. Happy New Year! :-)
Employers facing an uncertain economy tend to be more cautious in whom they hire. Hopefully the economy will pick up and the best applicants will be selected. Screening and employee testing is a great tool.
Wow, I hope 2010 is nothing like 2009 in terms of employment. I have many friends who lost their jobs in 2009 so I truly hope these signs are foreshadows of a strong 2010 economy.
I love the optimism and it’s great to see an uptick in hiring. I know a lot of people who have had an unfortunate getting jobs out of school or losing their full time gigs. Thanks for the article.