Forsythes Recruitment & HR has recently received triple the number of resumes, as the impact of COVID-19 has hit the Hunter region.
To help people who are looking for work, the firm is making its Career Transition Workbook free to anyone after career advice during this difficult period.
In addition, to help employers, the firm is offering free HR advice and consulting for the remainder of this financial year, as well as delayed payment on temporary employees to assist with cash flow.
Managing Director, Geoff Crews, said these initiatives were his team’s pay-it-forward response to the tremendous support of clients and service-providers, which is how the community and economy will survive this pandemic.
Geoff said it is heart-breaking to see so many talented people, across all sectors and experience levels, out of work. Many people have not updated their resume in years.
He is asked daily for advice by people who have found themselves unexpectedly needing to find a new job.
His best advice for job seekers is to treat the search as one of the toughest and mentally laborious job you have ever had.
“Job search is 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily,” Geoff said.
“Familiarise yourself with the boom industries right now – FMCG, warehousing/distribution, logistics, health, insurance, mining, telecommunications, online business and services such as cleaning. Then find the local companies and relevant contacts within those industries.
“Research and engage with those people – do they have a history of employing people with your skill set? Social media platforms like LinkedIn are extremely useful,” he said.
Geoff said whilst it can be difficult, perseverance and a growth mindset play a big part in securing a new job.
“Try not to worry about what you can’t control and don’t take rejection personally.”
Geoff’s other top tip is to enlist others to help.
“Recruitment agencies often get told about jobs first, which they share with their databases. Choose agencies who focus on the jobs and sectors that suit your skills and experience,” he said.
“Use your current networks (professional, friends, family) to find a way to get introductions or recommendations to the companies you have researched. Did your friend Brian have a girlfriend who knew someone at that company?”
Geoff said tailored resumes and cover letters are important ways to stand out from the crowd in crowded job markets.
They should focus on the outcomes of work achievements not just skills and tasks completed.
“Written words only do so much of the heavy lifting. A rehearsed, concise and professional phone call prior to and after applying should show your enthusiasm and initiative, not be annoying.”
“Prepare and practice for interviews. First impressions count and you have six seconds to impress. Demonstrate how you will go 1 per cent more than other people being interviewed.”
Geoff said his firm responded to the pandemic by putting its own oxygen mask on first to be able to help others.
“We immediately spoke to our staff; our clients and the 1000 plus temporary people we have working for us to see how we could help them through this,” he said.
Forsythes Recruitment & HR established an internal, online, COVID-19 related space – called the War Room – which has weekly videos from Geoff and gives easy access to evolving documents, news and procedures.
It has redeployed its talent management and recruitment specialists from quiet areas to busy ones and proposed temporary wage reductions to save jobs.
“I am communicating with all employees very transparently, which enables them to feel some sense of control.
“It is important for businesses to share how they are handling this situation so that together we can get through this,” he concluded.
To get a copy of the Career Transition Workbook, people are recommended to email contactus@forsytheshr.com.au.
IMAGE | Forsythes Recruitment & HR Managing Director, Geoff Crews.