How are you seeing the pandemic affect the job market?  Although a lot of manufacturing companies in Canada are still up and running for the time being.  Have companies put hiring on hold?  Are the processes dragged out?  Or is it business as usual and you’ve found a new job?

We have seen a combination of all of the above.  Having said that, in the markets that we have been doing work in recently (general manufacturing, industrial manufacturing, building materials, construction services, aerospace, automotive), hiring has almost come to a standstill.  It makes sense.  Feedback has been that they would rather be able to put that cost to keeping their current employees but that means bringing new people on board has to be put on hold.  If it is a key position?  Companies seem to be moving forward but still at a cautious pace.  And I’d say that started before things got to where they are now.  You could see it in January and February.  Construction & Building Materials do seem to be moving forward.  Infrastructure is a focus and these projects are going to keep needing people and need to be completed.  I still think thats a small percentage though.

If you are in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, logistics and/or CPG industries to name a few, I can see it as being busy.  We have not seen this directly ourselves but it does make sense.

What can you do if you are effected as a job seeker?

• Ensure your resume is up to date and can make an impact by using services like manufacturingresumes.ca.  You want to be able to pounce and be noticed when that right job becomes available.
• Take a look at these job tips to make sure you are visible to future employers.
• Reach out to your recruiter and see what their thoughts on the industries they specialize in.  It will ensure you are at their forefront for any roles that come across their desk.
• Be patient.  There is government help out there.  Companies will still need your skillset on the other side of this pandemic.  Stay positive.
• Working from home but are looking for a new job?  Stay connected on social media.  Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook for up to date market news.

What can you do if you are effected as an employee or an employer?

• As above, be patient.  There is government help out there.  Stay positive and you’re doing a great job getting product out the door and keeping the supply chains moving.
• If you have a need and cannot hire yet, keep interviewing.  Companies like JP Recruitment are happy to set up video conferencing for you using Zoom, FaceTime or Skype.  We’ve been doing it for years.  You want to have that candidate selected so when you get the go ahead to hire, you are ready to go!  A lot of companies are NOT doing this and it would allow you to turn a negative into a positive.
• Maybe a bit of an emphasis on the above point.  The market for candidates before this all started was tough – good talent was very hard to find.  Using this time to keep your processes going will give you a leg up on the competition.
• Working from home?  Same as if you are working but looking for a new position.  Stay connected on social media.  Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook for up to date market news.

We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Have questions?  Give us a call on 647-749-4337 or email us on info@jprecruitment.ca and we’d be happy to help where we can.  On top of the roles we have been working hard on, we have certainly been busy on social media and interviewing candidates so we are ready when needed.  #covidrecruitmentnews #jpr #jprecruitment #manufacturingrecruitment #engineeringrecruitment #manufacturingrecruiter #engineeringrecruiter #staypositive