By Dan Stehling
Of all of the signs of the recent economic downturn, the number of people who have lost their jobs due to downsizing seems to be the most obvious. The effects can be demoralizing not just for out-of-work individuals and their families, but for the organizations that have had to lay off employees they have invested in to try to keep the business in the black. Increased stress and depression can easily set in for both the employed and the unemployed.
What I have learned from my own experiences through this downturn has a common sense value and I hope others will benefit from it. First, the economy is distressed and it has affected jobs in communities around the world, not just in the United States. Many companies have had to downsize and cut costs as best they can to survive. If they do not cut costs and lay off people, then the entire company could suffer, to the point of having to close its doors. These practices are necessary so the company can survive and stay competitive in global markets.
During these trying times, many companies have fewer resources to handle their normal volumes of business. The employees who stay inherit the duties of those who have been laid off and are now overwhelmed as they try to keep up with the ever-increasing workload. This is no picnic, and I feel for those who still have jobs, as it is more stressful than ever with slow signs of recovery expected to occur towards mid 2010.
Because of high unemployment rates, organizations that are hiring can also be overwhelmed by the number of resumes they receive for every job opening. Fewer available jobs and more people seeking employment both increase the time required for companies to complete the search, interview, and qualification processes. Qualified applicants can often expect to wait two to three months for news, since organizations’ resources are fewer and the influx of resumes is greater. The longer cycle time can have a devastating impact on those looking for work and those striving to cope with fewer resources to handle a larger than normal workload in a timely manner.
Job seekers can easily fall into depression and give up hope of finding positions that will enable them to support the lifestyles their families and loved ones have sustained for many years. If you are unemployed or underemployed, I encourage you to maintain hope and focus on two courses of action that you can take.
1. Find a nonprofit church or organization that offers unemployment support groups, attend those support groups, and become an active member. These organizations work hard to help others, and they need more resources and participating members to provide the same level of service as they could when unemployment was not as prevalent. Further, these organizations have current programs, training, and techniques for those who are recently unemployed. The information they offer can help demonstrate to members that a lot has changed since the last time they needed to look for employment.
2. In your job search, respond to the circumstances of the current economy. Position yourself to help prospective hiring companies meet the challenges of competing globally while relying on fewer resources. Emphasize the following key capabilities that hiring managers are sure to need:
It has become even more important to continue to grow professionally and personally while encouraging others to promote a learning environment and use a team approach to resolve problems. A mindset like this helps individuals and the company as a whole benefit together. We need to remember that the ultimate goal is to come out of this downturn more competitive and driven towards quality to compete globally.
Dan Stehling is a quality manager with more than 15 years of experience in quality and 25 years in the oil and gas industry. A Six Sigma Green Belt and an ASQ certified quality auditor, he holds an associate’s of applied science degree in electronic engineering technology (EET), a bachelor’s of science in business management, and a master’s degree in business administration.