We are all so concerned about our jobs, whether we have one or not. Everything from blogs, the news and just about anyone you’ll speak with reminds us that the recession is still well under way and maybe the end, is well not as close as we think. We try hard to focus our attention on how best to pursue our career goals, even when there doesn’t seem to be much encouragement. We sometimes become so self-absorbed in our own career angst, that we often forget the one who is on the frontline trying to help us even though we may not always notice. Feel sorry for the recruiter, they feel the fear too.

When so much emphasis in on the job seeker, we often forget the star quarterback, the recruiter whose main job it is to search, match and make a hire. It’s probably never been so difficult. Whether you are an in-house recruiter, contract recruiter, search or temporary placement recruiter, the hiring line is just the same, more candidates and less jobs. We all know how great it was a few years ago. There were tons of candidates out there when the number of jobs definitely outweighed the number of viable applicants. The hunt was on. Recruiters everywhere were competing on every level from offering mega sign-on bonuses, to executive perks to whatever it took to get the candidate in the door.

Today, it’s a very different story. Not only are there very few job orders to fill, the recruiter spends most of their time telling candidates why the 6 month interview process is worth the wait, and why the compensation range is well, not too competitive, and of course the kicker, the job may be part of a “deep hiring freeze”, but “we’ll get back to you.” The stress and strain of recruitment these days is not an enviable position for anyone. Recruitment just a year ago was still a coveted position, with many people jumping into the field with little or no experience, much like the real estate market-it was boom time and everyone was riding the hiring wave looking to make the next placement.

Recruiters today have it tough. Not only do they have to justify their own existence given the limited number of job orders coming through, but they too worry if they will wind up on the other side of the desk, interviewing for jobs that well frankly are no longer in high demand. Recruiters need to be creative now, not just helping candidates manage their career expectations, but also helping themselves manage their own careers. I have many recruiter colleagues and friends who are trying to reinvent themselves and figure out how they can leverage their skills in other areas like research, administration, sales.

Times are tough as a recruiter where you are worrying you’ll have enough job orders to justify your full time salary, commission or contract status. If you are a recruiter, the best way around this it to start laying the ground work and become inventive in the way you help yourself. Start researching other areas you can work (you are good at sourcing so research is a natural skill if you are good at what you do). Think about other industries that require good research, project management and sourcing skills. It may not be specifically in recruitment, but healthcare, bio-tech, professional services all require people with strong analytical, research and assessment skills. Sales is another area where you can leverage your interpersonal skills and flex your creative and professional muscles in a whole new way.

It’s okay that your priority is to help the job seeker. But remember you need to take care of yourself first before you can help anyone else. It’s okay to feel the fear a little. Just don’t wallow in it, get up and get moving! Your next career move may be right around the corner too-at least until the job market picks up!

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