In these difficult economic times, many companies are aggressively cutting costs, including personnel costs. With this, current staffs are running extremely lean and working harder, while not receiving the incremental rewards for such efforts. This will only work for a short time. Many companies are hunkering down, hoping to ride things out while other, more aggressive companies are mobilizing their resources to capitalize on opportunities to thrive – even in anxious times. They realize certain positions within their organization are strategic and the investment they make locating the proven player to join their team will pay off in the long run. While yes, they can try to “do without” during this period of uncertainty, they may be leaving the door open for their competitors to get ahead.

Once the strategic need for a position has been approved, first thought by some may be it would be senseless to pay a recruiting fee when an internet job posting can produce hundreds of resumes in our current climate. However, read on with me for a minute and let us share what we have seen play out time and time again in 2009. After countless hours of reviewing through and qualifying the large number of responses, of which many are random, then it is necessary to do the initial phone screen. Then more time is invested in the many calls it takes to finally make the connections necessary, only to find a handful, in respect to the initial responses received, are even remotely qualified and worth bringing in for the in-person interviews. After scheduling and spending hours with these candidates, you find you are not really excited about any of them. Just remember – THERE IS NO RECESSION FOR TOP TALENT!

We know that actions like hiring during this time of uncertainty takes vision and courage, so let us know if you would like us to weigh in on your particular situation. Here at LBMC SS, we have the history, experience, and industry knowledge to help you to make sense of the current state of the talent market and distinguish between merely good talent and truly great talent when making a strategic hire. For over ten years, we have been helping organizations identify and recruit highly qualified individuals within the Accounting, Human Resources and Executive Admin areas. The LBMC SS recruitment team consists of former industry professionals and CPAs who truly understand your world in addition to the nuances of finding the perfect fit.

Even for those companies who aren’t in a position to make a commitment to permanent employment at the moment, temporary, contract or temp-to-perm arrangements are becoming even more popular. They receive the expertise they need to get the job done but under a variable cost structure. Call today to discuss resources and expertise available.

Feel free to reach out directly to Sherrie Whatton, President of LBMC Strategic Staffing at (615) 377-4601 or visit the LBMC web site at www.lbmcstaffing.com.