After being laid off, a recruitment professional is caught between traditional HR and recruitment agencies. His story, plus 10 tips for surviving a lay-off. This is Part 2 of a two-part series from HRGateway.com.

HRGateway, a UK-based publication, asked readers to share their lay-off, also called redundancy, stories: how it made them feel and whether it changed them as HR professionals. Anonymity was offered to all who took part for the sake of their careers and the companies for which they work and have worked.

Caught between HR and recruitment

"I do recruitment - mostly IT - and this was the third time that I have been made redundant, in fact, it was twice just last year! The other time was in November 2001.

"The first time the company that I worked for - doing in-house recruitment for a mobile commerce company - went into liquidation and I viewed it as a learning process. There were no concerns in my mind about getting a job so I just spent time seeing the processes and how it all affected those people around me.

"The second time was from a Managed Service company working for a big blue chip IT firm. As I was being made redundant from my firm, and as the client was also making redundancies it was very different from the previous time.

"Again I was confident in my abilities — falsely as it turns out but that is due more to the market rather than my skills — but seeing the process of the blue chip following strict HR guidelines, I was glad that I was leaving so quickly.

"The blue chip had never made redundancies and so it was a shock to staff. But because of the consultation period, you could really see how staff morale was affected and it made you wish that it was a simpler thing to do. It’s far better knowing straight away so that you can get your life in order.

"I have since moved to another part of the country and still do not have work. The main issue for not being able to find a job is the current economic climate. As I am a recruitment professional rather than an HR person, the downturn has not been ideal.

"When I phone companies, they assume that I am a Recruitment Consultant, which I am not. If I am put through to HR, they guard the recruitment process and then complain about all of the issues … not being recognised by the board, stress, legislation etc.

"As a recruitment person, I do not want to work on HR issues and as far as I can see from their website, the CIPD [Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development] are not concerned about giving me qualifications, training or even recognition.

"But a human resources person who is trained at great expense and time in dealing with resource issues ends up spending a lot of their time dealing with recruitment agencies, applicants, recruitment advertisers and other recruitment issues - or they leave it to the junior HR Assistant. No wonder the IRS research found that recruitment was the HR professional’s biggest concern.

"I moved to Devon and when you are outside of the south-east [UK], it makes you realise how work focused - and therefore more efficient - companies and their staff are. I'm now thinking of leaving the recruitment industry after being in it for five years.

"The reason I am thinking of changing sectors is because of the way that recruitment is perceived both by the HR function, and by companies in general.

"I find myself between two camps, the recruitment agencies, which I distance myself from as I want to be impartial, professional and dedicated to my employer, and the HR profession, which see me as an unnecessary and unprofessional luxury encroaching on their role.

"Because of this I feel disillusioned with my part of the industry, half HR and half recruitment consultant, not suitable for either!

"I hope that I do not sound bitter, but I have felt this way for some time and I just find the HR sector risible on occasion!"

Survival tips

If you are experiencing redundancy or know someone who has gone through the process, consider these tips from Drake Beam Morin, the HR consultancy.

1. Focus on the Future. It's easy to dwell on the past when the future seems so vague. Try to envision new opportunities and grow new skills, which may enable you to capitalise on any new opportunities. Most of all, try not to take business change personally. The workplace needs to constantly adapt to stay competitive and so do you.

2. Maintain Perspective. Remember that this is a temporary situation and that there WILL be another job. In the meantime, ensure that you are doing everything you can to find work.

3. Family matters. Your family will be impacted by a transition and may be equally anxious about changes. Tell them all that you know. Family and friends also need to feel informed, involved and supportive, so don't shut them out.

4. Stay grounded in reality. Successful career change is based on setting realistic goals and making an honest assessment of your skills, then matching those against the current market conditions.

5. Network, network, network. Networking is the key to any successful job search, especially in the case of a career change. (According to our latest research, 60% of individuals cited networking as the source of their new jobs. The most effective way to transfer skills to a new field or new career is by using your contacts. Companies are more willing to take risks on people who are referred to them by individuals who can account for the candidates' abilities and potential.

6. Play to your strengths. Being prepared can help you deal with change and identify job opportunities. Be proactive in identifying your skills, values and interests and think about how you can contribute to another organisation. List past accomplishments and pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.

7. Do some research. Conduct a research project, survey, competitive analysis or study on a problem the industry is facing. This is an excellent entrée to a company and vehicle to use in your expanding network.

8. Consider a lower paid or part-time job, or consulting. To help ease the financial strain. Gets you through the door and is a chance to be noticed. Keeps you active, and makes you feel useful and more employable.

9. Broaden your horizons. Re-evaluate your salary level and your geographic limitations; be realistic. Take a course to broaden your skills base - computer skills are becoming essential in most jobs.

10. Think positive. Avoid negative thinking and making excuses for stalling your job search. Maintain a positive self image - good diet, exercise and appearance, and do something nice for yourself once a day.

October 2002

HRGateway (www.hrgateway.com) publishes industry news and information with a UK and EU focus.