Sep
17
We still stay very busy on the phones as Executive Recruiters in Construction. There is not much being built out there but the volume of questions is daunting. The shock wave created by the recession has everyone on the defensive and questioning their very existence. Here are 6 of our most commonly answered questions right now:
Q1 – will positions come back in development and construction ?
A1 – yes, but only when financing becomes available for projects
Q2 – will companies need Vice President level anymore ?
A2 – of course but it will take time to get back to the same levels of executive employment that we had before the crash. Positions will come back as financing for projects becomes available. But the hiring will be slow and gradual.
Q3 – Is there any credential that I can obtain to make me more “hire-able” (LEED etc)?
A3 – Save your money. Unless you’re going to for a position/career that requires a certain accreditation then keep your money in the most important place. Your pocket.
Q4 – My background doesn’t fit but can you please present me?
A4 – No, no, no, no, no. Everyone we present is a reflection on us as a search firm. We are paid to place an exact fit nothing short and we take that very seriously.
Q5 – When do you see this turning around?
A5 – That’s the question we all want an answer to. Here is what I can offer as of now. There is a heap load of money on the sidelines trying to get into the real estate market but the banks are the bottleneck that is slowing unwinding. A lot of senior execs out there tell me that they’re waiting to see what happens in the November elections. Stating that if it’s the same old regime then we are in for a very long painful recovery but if the Republicans take the house then things will improve dramatically as it always does with a balance of power on Capital Hill. We all have our part to do right now and what I offer up is when you go to the polls DO NOT elect anyone that doesn’t have a business background. Pure bread politicians are so far disconnected from the private sector that they speak a completely different language. Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican you need to replace politics with business ethics. Elect those that know what it means to go apply for a business loan at a bank and what it means to pay it back.
Q6 – Are there just so many candidates out there now that it’s pointless to submit my resume?
Q6 – Heck no, please send in your resume. Worst case we need to be updated with all of your current information. If this position doesn’t work out then there will always be another down the line. Yes, there are millions out of work but we are all suffering from the “herding cats” epidemic. The recession has been so long and damaging that many candidates out of work have simply scattered. Their information has changed and finding them again has been quite cumbersome. Keep in touch, keep us updated and then we can keep you informed.
I hope this helps. We have a million phone calls but typically end up answering the same questions in one form or another.
Kipp Gillian – President
Gillian Executive Search, Inc.
866-600-0437 x1
