Amy | Insights From An Interim Recruiter: Why I’m Feeling Positive About The Future

We’re more than 10 weeks into lockdown and, with many food and drink businesses taking their first steps towards normality again, I think there’s a number of promising signs in the industry.

I’ve been lucky in the fact that I’ve worked throughout this entire period. So, in this piece, I want to reflect over the past few months and look ahead...

Companies still need to hire

I’m delighted to say that work hasn't stopped just because we’ve been in lockdown. It’s undoubtedly been a scary time for the sector. We can’t ignore the fact that some manufacturers have really struggled. However, more businesses are now looking to hire and looking for them immediately.

Over the past few months we’ve consistently had interim jobs flying in, including new roles which are a great sign that businesses are adapting. As more open their doors and supply chain pressures ease, we’re also seeing a number of permanent positions increase - indicating that businesses are recovering and looking ahead.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way

Lockdown has been challenging on many levels, but we’ve proven that companies that need to hire can still hire with the use of technology. At Silven, we’ve been using video interviewing and innovative software for years, so it’s great to see more clients embracing these tools and realising the benefits.

Every sector has had to change but Zoom and Microsoft Teams have allowed us to have that little sense of normality in our day-to-day lives. Never could I have imagined that I could ‘meet’, interview and place an interim candidate with an entirely remote process. But then again, I also didn’t think I would be doing weekly HIIT sessions with my team!

Support is everywhere

I’ve had lots of calls with interim candidates worried about the future, and one thing that I tell them is that support is there. And, I’m not just talking about it from a financial perspective. One of the best things to come out of this pandemic is stories of people coming together to unite efforts. I’ve seen businesses promoting each other, LinkedIn recommendations for those made redundant and others offering their services and advice for free.

I like to think Silven have always been known as recruiters you could pick up the phone to way before all of this chaos. As the biggest interim provider in food manufacturing and FMCG, there’s really nothing we don’t know about this sector. So, whether you want to discuss your next opportunity or need some tips for an upcoming digital interview, we’re more than happy to help - and we’ve most likely got some informative material to send you too.

I really do think the sector is on the way up again, and every day I hear of more positive stories that cement this further. Perhaps you’re looking for a new interim position or maybe you’ve decided to turn your attention towards a permanent role. Either way, why not start the conversation today? Drop me a message today or email me at [email protected]