Moving jobs in a pandemic- advice from those who've done it!

As a rec 2 rec I can safely say that overall, the recruitment market IS still busy. We are back to activity and vacancy levels that we were pre-COVID and have some fantastic clients producing increased profit from this time last year, meaning lots of opportunity for growth and a need for more, talented Recruitment Consultants.

As fantastic as this is, the elephant in the room is that a number of agencies, unless they are a ‘key worker’ sector (healthcare/ logistics etc.) are now operating on a work from home basis. What I’d like to address is how this works for you as a consultant considering a job move.

First off, to debunk some myths:

·       Yes, you can still gain a pay increase in a pandemic!! Harrison Sands have secured a number of our candidates pay increases of up to ￡7,000. If you’re still working, still billing and can bring long term business or networks with you agencies are still willing to pay what they need to for a quality hire.

·       If you join a company in this current moment in time, it doesn’t mean that your job isn’t secure. While I cannot speak for all companies, several our clients had their best ever years last year and have started 2021 on a financial high. Generally, companies hiring now have had a change to adjust, change working processes to include effective remote working and training meaning that new hires are 100% set for success in the business.

I’ve spoken to some of the consultants who we’ve placed in new jobs over the last couple of months to get their input into remote on-boarding and how they’ve found the process of moving jobs and why they did it.

Have you felt supported?

“I had 1-2 days’ worth of what would have been intense training stretched over a week online which has given me time to digest everything properly. I have a check in every morning with my direct manager and have had lots of connectivity across the team. My employer offers wellness sessions weekly and give all the consultants time to interact personally as a team, so we don’t feel isolated”- Recruitment Consultant, experienced hire moving into the same sector.

How does it feel to move sectors when you’re remotely on boarding?

“Whilst moving into a new sector felt daunting and of course a bit scary, the excitement that something new brings far outweighed the fears. It's good to move out of your comfort zone and learn something new and staying in the sector would have been the easy move. The principles of recruitment stay the same, however it’s important to adapt and learn new skills. Moving into a new Industry has allowed me to do that and I'm really glad I've done it”- Divisional Manager- experienced hire moving into a fresh sector

What advice would you give to other recruiters considering a move while remote on-boarding is still the norm?

“Do it! Don't hold back because of the circumstances we are in. The reality is that businesses have adapted and as individuals we have adapted. A year ago, a zoom call with colleagues or clients would have felt strange but now it's normal. It sounds obvious but perfect your homeworking set up and make sure you are set up in a quiet space, with video conferencing and a good Wi-Fi before you start so there are no technical glitches on your first day so you can get the most out of the remote onboarding on offer. Be proactive and reach out to colleagues. Don't be invisible and let geography be a barrier. Make sure you ask the questions you would if you were together and don't forget to get to know your colleagues by asking about them personally and find some common interests”- Divisional Manager, experienced hire

In conclusion, if you have questions about making a move during in a pandemic, have an open conversation with your rec 2 rec, speak to your potential new employer at interview about the measures they’ve taken to accommodate new staff members and how they’ve adapted over the past year. There are still people moving jobs despite the pandemic, and if you aren’t happy with your current situation, please don’t feel stuck in a rut!