Although, 2002 has been a difficult year for recruiters, it has also given many of us the opportunity to revamp our skills and reevaluate our priorities. Each month, Recruiters World in Review endeavors to bring you information to help you succeed in the changing business environment. For our last feature of the year, we’d like to bring closure to the year’s topics with a reminder: despite layoffs, downsizings, and loss of income, better times are surely on the way!

Some of the best advice I ever received came midway in my career. During the early 90’s recession, a colleague said to me, “Christine, look at the recession as a value proposition.” In other words, look at the recession as an opportunity to improve. Recessions are characterized by a slowdown in demand for recruiting services concurrent with increased competition for contracts and fewer resources to get the job done. Recruiters must undergo a “retraining” of sorts to survive in a recessionary environment. We must learn to effectively produce better quality output with less input.

Although recessions dole out a heavy share of stress and strain, those who embrace the challenge, and use its lessons to improve, can realize substantial gains. By doing more with less, we effectively become savvier, more disciplined, and more productive professionals. What better skill set to have at the start of the next upturn? If one looks at the recession as a learning opportunity, and conscientiously works to get the most out of it, the rewards can be great.

At present, the media reports that economic recovery will kick-in in mid-2003. Economists are particularly optimistic, citing a strong rise in leading indicators this past November. Though the news didn’t boost anyone's bonus this year, it is a strong sign that the nation's financial situation is improving. President Bush and Congress will also likely pass an economic stimulus package early next year designed to help stimulate job growth. There's division among economists about how much good such a package will do. Moreover, businesses today are nervous about the economy, falling stock prices, and the prospect of war in Iraq. Before we get to recovery, there will be more trials to endure.

The upside? With 2001 and 2002 under our belt, we’ve not only endured the worst, but done the hard work to adapt to the recession. The focus now should be on the end game. With recovery on the horizon, recruiters not only need to make sure they make it through the recession, but that they are ready for recovery as well. There’s no time like the slower holiday season to plan for next year. Get your office in good order, create a priority list for 2003, and start building up your database of “recovery” contacts – those companies you will call once requisitions start flowing again. Before long, it will be time to transition back to that more profitable, yet no less stressful, economic state, expansion!