Hiring Freeze - What now?
It’s no secret that the job market has been severely impacted by the global effort to flatten the curve for Covid-19. Unemployment is on the rise while companies plan for loss of revenue. At times like this, I realize I am lucky to be healthy and employed, but sadly that is not the reality for most. If you were planning on making a career change this year, don’t abandon all hope just yet.
What does a hiring freeze mean?
It can depend on the company’s interpretation but for the most part it means no new hires will be made. In some cases, they may replace employees 1 for 1 if there’s turnover down the line or if certain candidates are far enough along in the process before the freeze, they may hire those people. The reason is they expect a loss in profits for the year, and so compensation is going to be tight for the existing employees - why add on more people to potentially pay everyone less.
What can you do?
Manage your expectations
It’s better to be pleasantly surprised than horribly disappointed. Accept that processes are going to move slowly and people have their hands tied, it’s not personal!
Here’s a useful site that’s tracking hiring status.
Approach all communication with extra empathy / EQ
Everyone is working from home and dealing with all kinds of personal and professional disruption. Be aware of the tone of your email. Make sure you aren’t tone-deaf to the crisis at hand. I have been careful to make sure I am asking people if they are doing well and being extra polite. Give people time to follow up with you and send gentle reminders only when necessary.
Update your information
This is the perfect time to update your resume and freshen up your LinkedIn profile without anyone looking over your shoulder. Within LinkedIn, you can enable a setting that indicates you are open to new opportunities and so recruiters may contact you.
Reconnect
The best time to network is when you don’t need to ask for anything specific. Check in with people to see how they are holding up. Use this time at home to video chat and connect with more people than if you were stuck in an office. It is just as important to network with peers and those junior to you as it does with those that are senior to you. You never know where you may be able to find a lead for your next opportunity.
If you are thinking about making a career change or pivoting, this is a great time to set up informational interviews.
You can also try to build relationships with recruiters and ask them for insights and observations in your industry.
Sharpen your skills
If you’ve always wanted to get that additional license or sign up for a course, now might be the right time to invest in yourself and bolstering your resume.
Mentor / Join a Board
Is it possible that what you perceive as unhappiness with your current job is actually boredom? To shake up a monotonous routine, try paying it forward through volunteer activities, mentorship programs, or by joining a board. I find these activities make me feel re-energized about my career.
Anything I missed? Would love to hear your ideas.
Illustration by Alessandra Olanow
