How to Get Back in the Game as a Redundant Recruiter

Thousands of recruiters have been made redundant in the last few weeks as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. If you’re one of those recruiters, know that there are some things you can do to turn the situation around and get back on the path to success.  Here our partners, Firefish, share some tips on how to get back in the game!

Recruitment is a tough and competitive job, so if this is a career you’ve chosen, it’s likely you already have the ambition and resilience you need to get through this tough time and come out the other end stronger.

Here are some areas you can start focusing on to get you back in the recruitment game as soon as possible…

Focus on your self-development

When you’ve been dealt a blow like redundancy, it’s easy for your confidence to take a hit. Therefore, it’s important to take some time to focus on yourself and think of ways you can continue progressing and upskilling, even if you’re not currently working, as this will keep you positive and motivated towards your future.

Making plans for self-development will help you stay focused on what you need to learn, what your next steps will be and ensure that when you get out the other side of this you’ll know more than you did when you were in your last role.

There are loads of self-learning resources available to you online, and most of them are free. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Read recruitment blogs 
• Take online courses (social talent are offering free training to redundant recruiters – you can apply here)
• Watch YouTube videos
• Listen to recruitment podcasts  
• Read (or listen to) the right books

However you like to learn, the key is to keep yourself relevant and knowledgeable about the market so you’re ready for your next opportunity.

Create an irresistible job-seeker profile

You are the expert in creating profiles that sell your candidates – and now it’s time to channel all your expertise into selling yourself!

As well as updating your CV and sprucing up your LinkedIn profile, use the time you have to collect references from clients and candidates who you have a strong relationship with. Knowing your current circumstances, it’s more likely that they’ll take the time to write something up to help you out.

Whilst it might be a while before any agencies are knocking on your door looking for new recruiters, taking these steps means you’re starting to take control of your situation and making sure that you are representing the best version of yourself online.

Which takes me to my next point…

Build a strong personal brand

The stronger your personal brand is, the easier it’ll be to jump back on the recruitment horse. Just because you’re not currently working doesn’t mean you should be give up on your personal brand.

In fact, this is the time to ramp up your personal branding strategy and show your network that being made redundant doesn’t mean you stop caring about the industry you love. So get involved in industry discussions, post relevant content on social media – anything that ensures you’re still visible to the people that matter to you.

Start your own agency

You already have the experience and the skillset needed to start recruiting for yourself – have you thought about starting up your own agency?

Taking the leap to start your own recruitment agency might sound scary, but it’s actually one of the easiest businesses to set up. This eBook has everything you need to know about the practicalities of starting your own agency from scratch.

And the great news is that Firefish are offering heavily discounted recruitment software packages to any recruiter who’s been made redundant due to Covid-19 and is ready to get back in the game and become their own boss.

Once lockdown eases and the economy begins to recover, it’s predicted that recruitment will bounce back first and there will be a real hiring surge. Are you ready to take a slice of the pie?