Navigating the Job Market During Layoffs: Insights from LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster

Navigating the Job Market During Layoffs: Insights from LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented levels of unemployment across the globe. With companies downsizing, laying off employees, or closing altogether, job seekers are facing a tough challenge in navigating the job market. 

 

In this article, we’ll explore insights from LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster on how to navigate the job market during layoffs. We’ll also discuss common challenges faced by job seekers and strategies for overcoming them.

The Current Job Market Situation

 

The job market during the pandemic is highly competitive, with a large number of job seekers vying for a limited number of job openings. This has made it more difficult for job seekers to find employment.

 

 Many companies have put a freeze on hiring, while others have laid off employees to cut costs. The unemployment rate has reached record highs, and the job market is expected to remain tough for the foreseeable future.

Insights from LinkedIn on Navigating the Job Market During Layoffs

 

LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking site, has provided insights on how to navigate the job market during layoffs. According to LinkedIn, job seekers should focus on building their professional network, updating their LinkedIn profile, and staying up to date with industry trends.

Building a professional network is essential for finding job opportunities during layoffs.

 Job seekers should connect with recruiters, hiring managers, and other professionals in their industry. This can be done by attending virtual networking events, joining industry groups on LinkedIn, and reaching out to people in their network for advice and referrals.

 

Updating your LinkedIn profile is another important step in navigating the job market during layoffs. Job seekers should ensure that their profile is up to date with their most recent experience, skills, and education. They should also include relevant keywords in their profile to increase their visibility to recruiters and hiring managers.

 

Finally, staying up to date with industry trends is critical for job seekers during layoffs. This can be done by reading industry publications, attending webinars, and following thought leaders in their field. 

 

By staying informed, job seekers can position themselves as experts in their field and increase their chances of finding employment.

Insights from Indeed on Navigating the Job Market During Layoffs

 

Indeed, one of the world’s largest job search engines has also provided insights on how to navigate the job market during layoffs. According to Indeed, job seekers should focus on networking, upskilling, and taking advantage of remote work opportunities.

 

Networking is essential for finding job opportunities during layoffs. Job seekers should connect with people in their industry, attend virtual networking events, and join industry groups on social media platforms.

 

Upskilling is also important for job seekers during layoffs. By learning new skills, job seekers can increase their value to potential employers and stand out from other candidates. Online learning platforms, such as Coursera and Udemy, offer a wide range of courses in various fields.

Finally, taking advantage of remote work opportunities can help job seekers expand their job search. Remote work allows job seekers to apply for jobs outside of their immediate geographic area, increasing their chances of finding employment.

Insights from Monster on Navigating the Job Market During Layoffs

 

Monster, another popular job search engine, has provided insights on how to navigate the job market during layoffs. According to Monster, job seekers should focus on building their personal brand, creating a strong resume, and preparing for virtual job interviews.

 

Building a personal brand is important for job seekers during layoffs. Job seekers should create a personal website or blog to showcase their skills and experience. 

 

They should also be active on social media platforms, such as Twitter and LinkedIn, to increase their visibility to potential employers.

Creating a strong resume is also critical for job seekers during layoffs. Job seekers should tailor their resume to the job they’re applying for and include relevant keywords. 

 

They should also highlight their achievements and accomplishments to demonstrate their value to potential employers.

Finally, preparing for virtual job interviews is important for job seekers during layoffs. With many companies conducting virtual interviews, job seekers should ensure that they have a reliable internet connection, a quiet space to conduct the interview, and a professional appearance.

Common Challenges Faced by Job Seekers During Layoffs

Job seekers face several common challenges during layoffs. One of the biggest challenges is the high level of competition for job openings. With so many job seekers vying for a limited number of job openings, it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd.

 

Another challenge is the emotional toll of job loss. Losing a job can be a stressful and traumatic experience, and it’s important for job seekers to take care of their mental health during this time.

 

Finally, job seekers may struggle with updating their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Knowing what to include and how to present oneself in the best possible light can be difficult.

Strategies for Navigating the Job Market During Layoffs

 

Despite the challenges, there are several strategies that job seekers can employ to navigate the job market during layoffs. These include:

  • Building a professional network
  • Upskilling and learning new skills
  • Tailoring resumes and LinkedIn profiles to the job being applied for
  • Preparing for virtual job interviews
  • Staying up to date with industry trends
  • Taking advantage of remote work opportunities
  • Building a personal brand

 

By employing these strategies, job seekers can increase their chances of finding employment during layoffs.

Tips for Updating Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile During Layoffs

 

Updating your resume and LinkedIn profile can be a daunting task, especially during layoffs. Here are some tips for updating your resume and LinkedIn profile:

  • Tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile to the job you’re applying for
  • Highlight your achievements and accomplishments
  • Use action words to describe your experience
  • Include relevant keywords in your resume and LinkedIn profile
  • Ask for recommendations from former colleagues and managers
  • Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile up to date with your most recent experience and skills

Networking Strategies for Finding Job Opportunities During Layoffs

 

Networking is essential for finding job opportunities during layoffs. Here are some networking strategies for job seekers:

  • Attend virtual networking events and job fairs
  • Join industry groups on LinkedIn and other social media platforms
  • Reach out to people in your network for advice and referrals
  • Volunteer or participate in community events to expand your network
  • Connect with recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn

Training and Upskilling Opportunities During Layoffs

Upskilling and learning new skills is important for job seekers during layoffs. Here are some training and upskilling opportunities:

  • Online learning platforms, such as Coursera and Udemy, offer a wide range of courses in various fields
  • Professional development courses offered by industry organizations and associations
  • Certifications in your field of expertise
  • Industry conferences and webinars

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

Navigating the job market during layoffs can be challenging, but there are strategies that job seekers can employ to increase their chances of finding employment. Building a professional network, upskilling, and staying up to date with industry trends are just a few of the strategies that can make a difference. 

 

By taking advantage of remote work opportunities, building a personal brand, and preparing for virtual job interviews, job seekers can stand out from the competition. 

 

Finally, taking care of one’s mental health during this time is critical. With these strategies in mind, job seekers can navigate the job market during layoffs and find the employment they’re looking for.

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The Dark Side of Personality Tests in Recruitment: What Employers Need to Know

The Dark Side of Personality Tests in Recruitment: What Employers Need to Know

Introduction

As a hiring manager, I have seen the rise in the popularity of personality tests in recruitment. These tests are designed to assess the personality traits of potential employees and help determine if they are a good fit for a particular role.

While there are certainly benefits to using personality tests, there are also some potential drawbacks that employers need to be aware of. In this article, I will explore the dark side of personality tests in recruitment and what employers need to know.

The Benefits and Limitations of Using Personality Tests

Personality tests can provide valuable insights into a candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. They can help identify individuals who have the right personality traits for a particular role, and can also help predict how they will perform in certain situations.

For example, a personality test might identify an individual who is highly organized and detail-oriented, which could make them a good fit for a project management role.

However, it is important to recognize that personality tests have limitations. They are only one tool in the recruitment process and should not be relied upon exclusively. It is also important to consider the validity and reliability of the test being used. Not all personality tests are created equal, and some may not accurately measure what they claim to measure.

The Potential Drawbacks of Relying Too Heavily on Personality Tests

One of the biggest potential drawbacks of relying too heavily on personality tests is that they can create a false sense of objectivity in the recruitment process.

While personality tests are designed to be objective, they are still subject to interpretation and bias. This can lead to a situation where candidates who don’t fit the mold of the ideal candidate are unfairly excluded from consideration.

Another potential drawback is that personality tests can be misleading. Individuals may answer questions in a way that they believe the employer wants to hear, rather than answering truthfully.

This can lead to a situation where the candidate is a poor fit for the role, even though they passed the personality test with flying colors.

The Issue of Bias and Discrimination in Personality Testing

Another potential issue with personality tests in recruitment is the issue of bias and discrimination. Personality tests can be designed in a way that favors certain groups of people over others.

For example, a test that emphasizes assertiveness and competitiveness may be biased against women, who are often socialized to be more collaborative and cooperative.

It is also important to consider the impact of unconscious bias on personality testing. Hiring managers may unconsciously favor candidates who share their own personality traits, which can lead to a lack of diversity in the workplace.

Legal Considerations in Using Personality Tests in Recruitment

Employers need to be aware of the legal considerations involved in using personality tests in recruitment.

In the United States, the use of personality tests is governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Civil Rights Act. These laws prohibit discrimination based on certain protected characteristics, including race, gender, age, and disability.

To avoid legal issues, employers should ensure that the personality test they are using is job-related and consistent with business necessity. They should also ensure that the test is administered in a manner that does not discriminate against any protected groups.

Alternatives to Personality Tests in Recruitment

While personality tests can be a useful tool in the recruitment process, there are also alternatives that employers can consider. One alternative is to use structured interviews, which are designed to assess a candidate’s skills and qualifications in a more objective manner.

Another alternative is to use work samples or simulations, which allow candidates to demonstrate their abilities in a real-world setting.

Best Practices for Using Personality Tests in Recruitment

If an employer decides to use personality tests in recruitment, there are some best practices that they should follow.

First, the test should be job-related and consistent with business necessity. Second, the test should be administered in a manner that does not discriminate against any protected groups.

Third, the employer should ensure that the test is valid and reliable. Finally, the employer should use the test as only one part of the recruitment process and not rely on it exclusively.

Case Studies of Companies That Have Faced Legal Challenges Related to Personality Testing

There have been several high-profile cases in which companies have faced legal challenges related to their use of personality tests in recruitment.

For example, in 2018, the clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch settled a lawsuit that accused the company of using personality tests that discriminated against people with disabilities.

In 2020, the restaurant chain Texas Roadhouse settled a similar lawsuit that accused the company of discriminating against older job applicants.

These cases highlight the importance of using personality tests in a responsible and ethical manner.

Conclusion: The Role of Personality Tests in Recruitment and the Importance of a Holistic Approach to Hiring

Personality tests can be a valuable tool in the recruitment process, but they should not be relied on exclusively.

Employers need to be aware of the potential drawbacks of using personality tests, including the risk of bias and discrimination.

They should also consider alternatives to personality tests, such as structured interviews or work samples.

Ultimately, the key to successful recruitment is to take a holistic approach. This means considering a candidate’s skills, qualifications, personality, and fit with the company culture. By using personality tests in conjunction with other recruitment tools, employers can make more informed hiring decisions and avoid the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on any one tool.

Interested in learning more about responsible recruitment practices? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

 

Top 5 Ideas for How Agency Owners Can Avoid Staffing Fiasco

Top 5 Ideas for How Agency Owners Can Avoid Staffing Fiasco

Small and medium-sized companies are under a lot of pressure these days to grow quickly, especially when it comes to digital. While most of the other industries have been slowing down for the past few years, small and midsized businesses (SMBs) have been booming—especially in digital. 

But this is also a double-edged sword. SMBs need to scale faster than ever before, but large numbers of employees can slow them down and make them less agile. This means that unless you run your company like an efficient machine with all the moving parts working in sync and without overgrown trees, it is likely that you will encounter some sort of a staffing fiasco sooner rather than later.

 

Keep your hiring process lean and constant

Over time, companies have changed the way they hire employees. Technology has become more advanced, and it is now possible to hire people with machine-learning algorithms, HR software, and other software.

However, there are still many HR departments running on an old-fashioned approach to hiring. This means that your company’s culture is likely to be affected if you maintain a hiring process that is too long or too slow.

New employees bring new energy to the workplace, and having new people in your office can be fun. However, the hiring process should be kept lean and constant. You should try to hire people who complement your existing team as well as your company’s culture.

Test the applicants in an easier way before finalizing the hire

One of the most important aspects of the hiring process is the testing phase. If you are going through a standard hiring process, you should try to test the applicants in an easier way before finalizing the hire.

You do this by making some small changes to the interview process, such as having a few preliminary rounds of interviews with a smaller group of applicants.

In the second round, have one person sit in the room and observe the interview process, and that person can be the hiring manager.

This way, you can ensure that the hiring manager is not biased against a certain applicant or the company culture is not affecting the hiring process.

This can save your company from hiring micromanagers, bad hires, and over-reliance on job ads.

Inefficient onboarding process: This is why you see this one a lot

The hiring process can be an inefficient one in a number of ways. You might try to hire someone who is experienced or someone who has good qualifications, but the hiring process itself might be inefficient.

For example, you might try to hire someone who does not have the right experience for your company, but the hiring process might be too long and painful for the person who is being hired. Another inefficient hiring process issue that you might come across is the onboarding process.

Over-reliance on job advertising: Don’t do this one, either

In many cases, companies have begun to rely too heavily on job ads as a way to find new employees. In fact, according to a report from job site Indeed, half of all U.S. companies use job ads to hire new employees. However, job ads can be an inefficient way to find people for a few reasons.

First, the process of creating a job ad takes a lot of time, which means you might spend too much time sourcing candidates and not enough time filling open positions. Second, job ads are an inefficient way to find people that are a good fit for your company’s culture.

Company Culture Mistake: Adopting a Company-Wide Culture

As you go through the hiring process, you need to make sure that you hire people who are a good cultural fit for your office’s culture. However, you might accidentally define your company culture by using the hiring process. You can use the hiring process to define your company culture by using the way you hire.

For example, if you hire based on experience, you might end up hiring people who are too old, too young, have poor work ethics, or have no work ethic at all.

Too much micromanaging from the top: Dump this one immediately!

Many companies hire new employees based on the top-down approach to management. This means that the new employees report to their direct managers and are expected to follow their directions.

This is a bad approach to management, but many companies still use it. You can see this mistake in the way managers hire new employees in the hiring process. For example, you might see the hiring manager asking the candidate a question like, “Tell me about yourself” or “What are some things that you like to do in your free time?” This might seem like a harmless question, but it is actually a trap.

How to Avoid Staffing Fiasco in the Future

There is no doubt that a staffing fiasco is an issue that can happen to any business at any time. All companies will face some kind of problem with hiring new employees at some point in their lifespan. The only way to avoid it is to be prepared.

The first thing you need to do is to understand the types of staffing fiasco that your business can face. Once you know the types of issues that your company might face with hiring employees, you can be better prepared to face them.

How to avoid hiring the wrong people: Know your hiring pitfalls

When it comes to hiring employees, it is important to understand the common pitfalls that can come up during the hiring process.

You can avoid hiring the wrong people by understanding the pitfalls that are common in the hiring process.

Test the applicants in an easier way before finalizing the hire

One of the most important aspects of the hiring process is the testing phase. This can be done in a few different ways. One of them is to have a series of interviews with a smaller group of applicants who are being hired for a specific role.

This way, you can ensure that the person is a good cultural fit for your company. Another way to test the candidates is to have the hiring manager observe the interview process. This way, you can ensure that the person has the right experience and that they will fit well in your company’s culture.

Inefficient onboarding process: This is why you see this one a lot

Another issue that you might face with the hiring process is the inefficient onboarding process.

During the hiring process, you may hire a person who does not have the right experience or skills for your company. This can be a problem because the person may have to undergo training or they may need to be coached to improve their skills.

Over-reliance on job advertising: Don’t do this one, either

In many cases, companies have begun to rely too heavily on job ads as a way to find new employees. This can be an inefficient way to find new people for a few reasons.

First, the process of creating a job ad takes a lot of time, which can mean that you spend too much time sourcing candidates and not enough time filling open positions. Second, job ads are an inefficient way to find people that are a good cultural fit for your company.

People who respond to job ads might not be a good cultural fit for your company’s culture.

Company Culture Mistake: Adopting a Company-Wide Culture

As you go through the hiring process, you need to make sure that you hire people who are a good cultural fit for your office’s culture.

This can be done by hiring based on the way you test candidates. For example, you might hire someone who does not have the right experience or skills for your company, but the hiring process might be too long and painful for the person.

You can avoid this problem by hiring people who have been through a hiring process that is too long and painful.

Too much micromanaging from the top: Dump this one immediately!

Another issue that many companies face during the hiring process is the hiring of micromanagers.

This might seem like a good idea at first because you want to hire people who are good at managing their own work and tasks. However, these types of managers can be an inefficient way to manage groups of employees.

These managers might be too controlling and might not allow their employees to use their own creativity and energy.

How to Avoid the Firing Process

There is no doubt that the hiring process can be an exciting and challenging adventure for any company.

6 Ways To Keep Your MSP Implementation On Track

6 Ways To Keep Your MSP Implementation On Track

With the implementation of a Managed Service Provider (MSP) program, you’re bound to face a mountain of new challenges. The implementation process is sure to test your resolve and skill as an MSP. Fortunately, you have more than enough resources at your disposal to overcome these challenges and make the implementation process as successful as it can be. Here are some helpful hints on how to keep your MSE implementation on track from start to finish.

 

Set Clear Objectives When You Begin

All MSPs have their own unique challenges and challenges vary from one MSP to the next. The challenges you face are likely different from the challenges your current clients face. Because of this, you’ll have to set some clear objectives early on in your MSP journey. Otherwise, you risk missing important milestones along the way. For example, consider the objectives you set for your MSP journey at the beginning.

In addition to setting objectives for your MSP journey, you’ll also need to set the right expectations with your clients. And, to do this, you’ll have to do some critical thinking. There are a few things you should keep in mind as you set expectations with your clients.

Be Realistic About Timeframe

The length of time it takes to fully implement an MSP program is different for each organization. The length of time it takes to fully implement an MSP program is different for each organization. While some MSPs can be fully operational in just six months, more seasoned companies may take up to 18 months to implement a program. As a general rule of thumb, experienced MSPs should aim to implement their program in 12 to 18 months. And, when determining this timeframe, it’s important to account for the amount of time it’ll take to procure and onboard new clients. The time needed for this is key to knowing how long the implementation process will take.

Define Key Performance Indicators

When setting your objectives for your MSP journey, it’s also important to set clear KPIs for your MSP. This will help you track progress, identify key areas for improvement, and identify any weak spots in your MSP implementation. While a certain level of uncertainty lies in the implementation process, you’ll at least be able to track key performance indicators that tell you if your company is making progress. As a rule of thumb, you should set five to seven key performance indicators for your MSP journey.

Tackling The Technical Transition

One of the biggest challenges associated with implementing a new MSP program is the transition from in-house IT. The in-house IT team may have built the majority of your company’s technology infrastructure. In addition, the IT team may have developed crucial business processes around managing clients and projects. For many MSPs, the transition from in-house to outsourced IT will be the most significant challenge during implementation. Therefore, it’s important to prepare for this transition as best as possible. One of the best ways to do this is to identify key areas of your company that will need to transition to an outsourced IT model.

Have A Team Meeting ASAP

If you’re one of the MSPs who are fully operational in just six months, you can skip this tip. However, most MSPs will take longer to implement their program. One of the best ways to tackle the challenges associated with implementing a new MSP program is to have a team meeting ASAP. During team meetings, you can identify areas of your company that may need to transition to an outsourced IT model. With this information, your team will be in a better position to prepare for the transition.

Increase Rep For New Services

Naturally, you want to drive more business from your current clients. This is done through the process of identifying new services for your clients. For example, you may want to identify new services for your clients that fall under the transportation category. This will help you better manage and track the movement of your clients’ goods. Another way you can drive more business is to identify new services that help your clients address specific issues they’re facing.

Conclusion

The implementation of an MSP program is sure to be challenging. However, it’s certainly not impossible. The implementation process will be more challenging the first time you go through it. Therefore, you’ll need to employ a few strategies and tactics to make the implementation process as smooth as possible. The implementation of an MSP program will certainly be challenging. However, it’s certainly not impossible.

 

Inside the Booming Gaming Recruitment Industry: How to Get Your Dream Job

Inside the Booming Gaming Recruitment Industry: How to Get Your Dream Job

Do you love playing video games? Have you ever thought about turning your passion for gaming into a career? If so, you’re in luck! The gaming industry is booming, and with it, the demand for skilled professionals is on the rise. From game designers to programmers, marketers to community managers, there are a plethora of opportunities available for those interested in pursuing a career in gaming. But with such high demand, how do you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job? That’s where the gaming recruitment industry comes in.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the inner workings of this industry and provide you with tips and insights on how to navigate it successfully. So, whether you’re a seasoned gaming professional or just starting out, get ready to level up your job search game!

 

Do you love playing video games? Have you ever thought about turning your passion for gaming into a career? If so, you’re in luck! The gaming industry is booming, and with it, the demand for skilled professionals is on the rise. From game designers to programmers, marketers to community managers, there are a plethora of opportunities available for those interested in pursuing a career in gaming.

But with such high demand, how do you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job? That’s where the gaming recruitment industry comes in. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the inner workings of this industry and provide you with tips and insights on how to navigate it successfully. So, whether you’re a seasoned gaming professional or just starting out, get ready to level up your job search game!

 

Overview of the gaming industry and job opportunities

The gaming industry has come a long way since the days of Pong and Space Invaders. Today, it is a multi-billion dollar industry that spans across platforms, genres, and cultures. From console gaming to mobile gaming, from action-adventure to simulation, the gaming industry has something for everyone.

But it’s not just about playing games. The gaming industry is also a hotbed of creativity, innovation, and technology. It takes a team of skilled professionals to bring a game to life, from concept art to programming to sound design. And with the rise of e-sports and online gaming, there are even more opportunities for gamers to turn their passion into a career.

So, what are some of the job opportunities available in the gaming industry? Here are just a few:

Game Designer

Game designers are responsible for creating the gameplay mechanics, storylines, and overall vision of a game. They work closely with programmers, artists, and writers to ensure that the game is fun, engaging, and immersive.

Programmer

Programmers are responsible for writing the code that makes a game function. They work closely with game designers to ensure that the game mechanics are working as intended and that the game is optimized for different platforms.

Artist

Artists are responsible for creating the visual elements of a game, from character designs to environments to user interfaces. They work closely with game designers to ensure that the game has a consistent visual style and that the art is optimized for different platforms.

Sound Designer

Sound designers are responsible for creating sound effects and music for a game. They work closely with game designers to ensure that the sound enhances the overall gameplay experience and that it is optimized for different platforms.

 

gaming industry

What is gaming recruitment?

Now that you have an idea of the job opportunities available in the gaming industry, let’s take a closer look at gaming recruitment. Gaming recruitment is the process of finding and hiring skilled professionals for the gaming industry. It’s a complex process that involves a variety of stakeholders, from recruiters to hiring managers to HR departments.

Gaming recruitment can take many forms, from job postings on company websites to networking events to recruitment agencies. The goal of gaming recruitment is to find the best candidates for the job and to ensure that they are a good fit for the company culture.

 

The importance of networking in the gaming industry

One of the best ways to get your foot in the door of the gaming industry is through networking. Networking allows you to meet other professionals in the industry, learn about job opportunities, and get advice on how to improve your skills and knowledge.

There are many ways to network in the gaming industry, from attending industry events to joining online forums and communities. You can also reach out to professionals in the industry through LinkedIn or other social media platforms.

When networking, it’s important to be professional and respectful. Introduce yourself and explain your interest in the gaming industry. Ask questions, listen to others, and be open to feedback and advice.

 

Building your gaming portfolio and resume

Another important aspect of gaming recruitment is building a strong portfolio and resume. Your portfolio should showcase your skills and experience in the gaming industry, whether it’s through game design, programming, art, or sound design.

Your resume should highlight your relevant experience and skills, as well as any education or certifications you may have. Be sure to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for and to emphasize your passion for gaming.

 

Tips for acing your gaming job interview

Once you’ve landed an interview for a gaming job, it’s important to be prepared. Here are a few tips for acing your gaming job interview:

  • Research the company and the job you’re applying for.
  • Be prepared to talk about your experience and skills in detail.
  • Be ready to answer questions about your favorite games and why you’re passionate about gaming.
  • Be professional and respectful throughout the interview process.
  • Follow up with a thank-you note after the interview.

 

Common roles in gaming and their requirements

There are many different roles in the gaming industry, each with its own requirements and qualifications. Here are some of the most common roles in gaming and what they require:

Game Designer

Game designers typically have a degree in game design or a related field, as well as experience in game development. They should have strong creative and problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of game mechanics and player psychology.

Programmer

Programmers typically have a degree in computer science or a related field, as well as experience in programming languages such as C++ and Java. They should have strong problem-solving skills and be able to work well in a team environment.

Artist

Artists typically have a degree in game art or a related field, as well as experience in 2D and 3D art software. They should have strong artistic skills and be able to work well in a team environment.

Sound Designer

Sound designers typically have a degree in sound design or a related field, as well as experience in audio software such as Pro Tools and Logic. They should have strong creative and technical skills, as well as a deep understanding of sound design principles.

 

Gaming recruitment agencies and job boards

If you’re looking for a gaming job, there are many recruitment agencies and job boards that can help. Here are a few to consider:

Creative Circle

Creative Circle specializes in connecting creatives with job opportunities in a variety of industries, including gaming.

Gamasutra

Gamasutra is a job board and news source for the gaming industry, with job postings from companies around the world.

DigiPen Job Board

DigiPen Job Board is a job board specifically for graduates of DigiPen Institute of Technology, a school that specializes in game design and development.

 

The importance of staying up-to-date with industry trends

The gaming industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, platforms, and trends emerging all the time. It’s important to stay up-to-date with these trends if you want to succeed in the industry.

One way to stay up-to-date is to read industry news sources, such as Gamasutra and IGN. You can also attend industry events and conferences, such as E3 and the Game Developers Conference.

 

Resources for improving your gaming skills and knowledge

If you want to improve your gaming skills and knowledge, there are many resources available. Here are a few to consider:

Udemy

Udemy offers a variety of online courses in game design, programming, art, and sound design.

Unity Learn

Unity Learn offers tutorials and courses in game development using the Unity engine.

GDC Vault

GDC Vault offers access to past talks and presentations from the Game Developers Conference.

 

Conclusion and final thoughts on the gaming recruitment industry

The gaming industry is a vibrant and exciting field with many opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in gaming. Gaming recruitment is a complex process, but with the right skills and knowledge, you can stand out from the crowd and land your dream job.

Remember to network, build a strong portfolio and resume, and stay up-to-date with industry trends. And most importantly, never stop learning and growing as a gaming professional. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goals and make a name for yourself in the gaming industry.

 

Effects of economic downturn for a staffing firm: Strategies you’ll need to Excel

Effects of economic downturn for a staffing firm: Strategies you’ll need to Excel

When the world economy dips into a recession, everyone feels its effects. Even staffing companies are seemingly insulated from its volatility. 

 

That’s because every company relies on internal resources as much as external ones to stay productive and meet new business demands.

 

A downturn in the economic environment affects all of your staffers, from entry-level to executive-level or management consultants, who need to be paid less for their services and offered new incentives to remain loyal and motivated.

 

In this blog post, you’ll learn how an economic downturn can impact your staffing company in ways that go beyond the obvious salary cuts and hiring freezes.

 

You’ll discover practical tips on how to keep your team members engaged and motivated during such times.

 Businesses are struggling with skill shortages

 Skills shortages are a common and painful part of recessions. They are exacerbated by the low growth rates experienced since the 2008 financial crisis and the weak global demand for skills. 

 

The current economic climate has exacerbated the problem and the issue is particularly acute in the digital sector, which is experiencing a chronic lack of qualified engineers, software developers, and data scientists. 

 This shortage is expected to persist into the next few years and the short supply of skilled workers is expected to hamper businesses’ ability to innovate and grow.

 This shortage is expected to persist into the next few years and the short supply of skilled workers is expected to hamper businesses’ ability to innovate and grow. Moreover, understaffed companies are likely to experience higher levels of stress and burnout, as employees are likely to work longer hours to cover for absent colleagues or be more likely to leave the company.

 

Uncertainty fueling long-term digital transformation

 Uncertainty can have a significant impact on a company’s transformation initiatives. Companies that are experiencing economic instability may hesitate to invest in long-term initiatives such as digital transformation for fear of the uncertain future.

 

When the market is in a period of transition, it is normal for businesses to experience uncertainty and volatility, which can be challenging for transformation initiatives.

 

 New initiatives require long-term investments that may not be budgeted for during a downturn. As a result, a company may choose to invest in short-term initiatives that provide a profit boost but do not contribute to the organization’s overall transformation efforts. 

 

 In the worst-case scenario, a downturn can delay transformation initiatives because the organization is unable to make long-term investments in the face of uncertain short-term financial outcomes. This can result in delayed transformation outcomes and a company stuck in an evolutionary rut.

 

Job Demand and Supply

 

 When times are tough, businesses are likely to seek ways to reduce costs, including cutting the number of staffers. During a down economy, the demand for employees decreases, and the supply increases. This means that companies can now hire lower-cost workers, such as recent college graduates and older employees who have recently retired. 

 

 

The hiring of lower-cost workers could also occur if companies are seeking cost cuts but have run out of budget for rehiring former employees. These cost cuts are likely to negatively impact the company’s ability to meet both current and future requirements.

 

 

 

Shortage of labor could also occur during a downturn, especially in the service industry. When the demand for certain services such as nurses and daycare workers decreases during a downturn, the supply increases and the demand for employees in those industries decreases.

 This could result in a shortage of staff in certain industries such as healthcare, finance, education, clean energy, and hospitality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shortage of labor

 

 

 

The job market is expected to remain tight for the rest of the year and even into 2020. Businesses are likely to be reluctant to hire new staff because of the uncertain economic climate. 

 

 In addition, lower-cost workers who were hired during the downturn could be re-hired and they don’t necessarily want to leave their current employers. The shortage of workers expected in certain industries could also lead to longer hiring processes.

 

 As a result, businesses will not be able to hire the optimal staff members and this could result in delayed transformation, increased operational inefficiency, and reduced customer satisfaction.

 

Strategies to improve the workforce

 

Here are a few strategies that you can use to improve the workforce and retain your current staff members:

 

  • Offer flexible working hours. Many businesses are moving towards more flexible work arrangements, such as a gig economy or a hybrid work model, where employees work a set number of hours per week, have a set number of days off per month, or have a set number of weeks off per year. 

 

  • During a down economy, employees might value the flexibility offered by these work arrangements.
  • Offer stock options or share grants. These incentives let your employees choose how to receive their earnings rather than accepting a fixed salary. 

 

  • This could help you retain talent in your organization who may have been tempted by better-paid opportunities or who have a family to support.

 

  • Make sure that your benefits are competitive. Make sure that your generous benefits are comparable to, or better than, the competition’s.
  • Offer training and development to your employees. This is a good way to keep your employees engaged and up-to-date.

 

  • Invest in employee growth opportunities. This is one of the best ways to retain your current employees and make sure that they have the training and resources they need to succeed.

 

Conclusion

 Financial uncertainty is a fact of life in the business world. When the economy sours, salaries are cut and job postings decrease.

 

 

This can be especially difficult for staffing companies, as they rely on new business as well as the internal resources of their own employees to stay productive and meet new demands. 

 

 

In this blog post, you’ll discover how an economic downturn will impact your staffing company in ways that go beyond the obvious salary cuts and hiring freezes. You’ll discover practical tips on how to keep your team members engaged and motivated during such times.