Odds and strategies for getting hired vary widely for recent graduates, experienced mid-level managers and those who rose to the top.
As Ukraine slowly crawls out of crisis, the country’s job market is inching towards recovery. But human resource firms say the number of vacancies for an estimated two million citizens out of work remains limited.
What was a so-called employee market before the economic crisis, where job seekers bargained hard with employers and landed big salaries and the best benefits, is today an employer-driven market.
Employers are today more careful with how cash is spent. And they are on the market seeking the best professionals available – and getting them at a bargain, compared to pre-crisis salaries.
While harder, it’s still possible to land a decent and possibly dream job. But your chances vary widely, depending upon whether you are a recent university graduate, a mid-level manager trying to get back in the game or a top executive hoping to command top dollar.
Graduates
Human resource firms say that fresh university graduates are, generally, in the best position to land jobs now because they are hungry for experience and not very demanding. However, fewer businesses seem willing to invest heavily into developing young talent. The biggest companies usually have the resources to give newcomers a chance.
“Due to the crisis, employers have significantly cut recruiting, and so the number of starting positions is very limited,” says Maksym Nemesh, director at Graduate Recruitment Services Ukraine. “In this case, it is better to put maximum efforts in getting in long-term managers’ programs within a big multinational company where there is room for growth, even through an [unpaid] internship.”
Since there is no sure path to finding a job under such tough conditions, according to Nemesh, serious hunters will make use of all available tools – taking part in professional and personal social networks, regularly contacting recruiting agencies and keeping up on vacancy announcements.
Mid-level managers
Perhaps the biggest change wrought by the recession has been for laid off mid-level managers. “The ‘ok, try and buy me’ approach that worked before the crisis doesn’t fly anymore,” said Aleksandr Gladko, managing partner of Career Advancement Technologies, a company that specializes in consulting and guiding middle managers to target job offers.
“Some people still think that if you send out 20 resumes, you’ll eventually get a job. But it is not enough nowadays. In this recession, even 50 resumes are not enough,” added Gladko.
Nowadays, candidates are scrutinized closely, forcing applicants to work harder to land jobs and aim carefully at target employers. Those steps include preparation of an attractive CV and an inspiring cover letter. The job seeker needs to be confident yet friendly in telephone conversations, Gladko said.
“Get acquainted with human resource managers and line managers of your shortlisted companies,” Gladko said. “If you talk to people confidently and sincerely, you’ll always get a positive response. Keep in mind that, given the high level of competition on the job market, you may be one of hundreds of individuals applying for a position at the company.”
Top management
According to industry players, business is going relatively well despite the crisis at companies selling so-called fast-moving consumer goods, telecommunication services, retail and pharmaceutical goods. Thus, they may be best positioned for expansion and hiring new top management to organize it.
“Currently, the best situation is seen at businesses that satisfy basic consumer demands, unlike secondary demands – such as financial services, real estate and automobiles,” said Anton Belogorodov, head of Ward Howell Executive Search in Ukraine.
Job seekers should find growing companies or those who ditched their top-level managers during the crisis. But don’t expect to replace current top managers. “Successful executives who managed to carry the company through the crisis are well-protected, but the demand to replace those who failed is very big,” added Belogorodov.
Kyiv Post staff writer Olga Gnativ can be reached at [email protected].
Keys to getting hired while a painful recession lingers on
Be clear about your career-development goals.
Make a list of desirable companies and research their reputations, corporate culture and office atmosphere.
Find a contact person in those companies.
Prepare a resume and persuasive cover letter.
Follow up your application with a telephone call to a key person, namely human resource manager and line managers or, better yet, set up a meeting to establish a long-term contact.
Find out the salary range.
If an offer is forthcoming, make sure all job responsibilities, compensation information, start date are clearly stated.
Source: Career Advancement Technologies; Talent Advisors.
