Why it's hard for companies and recruiters to find strong talent when unemployment is 9.6%

Updated: January 01, 2012

Ask any recruiter and they'll tell you that 2009 was pure hell. No one was hiring, and you had to go-go-go every minute of every day to make a dime. Many recruiting firms closed down and lots of recruiters hung up their hats to try something else. It felt like things would never improve. But as 2010 winds down, recruiters find themselves slammed again with activity. Great right? Yes, but it's not the same kind of activity as pre-recession. I know beggars can't be choosers, so I'm happy with any activity at all.

At the moment, many businesses are reluctant to pull the trigger. They are ready to start interviewing, but hesitant to hire. Many see this as a perfect opportunity to grab up great talent for cheap. Companies interview dozens of candidates before they make their final decision, often driven by the idea that there could be someone better out there. But this is typically just not the case. All the all-star, employed candidates are staying put until the economy improves. So despite the fact that there are many job seekers out there, it is still rather hard to find that perfect candidate. You do find a diamond in the tough from time to time, but overall it is really difficult to find strong talent at the moment. Those great candidates that are laid-off get snagged up immediately.

  1. Why not give one a try?