We’re already nearing 1/12 into the new year. While I was personally glad to see 2009 go quietly into the dark night, I have been eagerly waiting to see a new dawn with 2010.

Why?

I work as an independent staffing consultant assisting corporate staffing and HR organizations with their staffing initiatives and provide my expertise and knowledge of staffing to provide a true ROI on their investment with me. Well it’s been no secret that the end of 2008 and 2009 has been especially tough on recruiters and staffing consultants/contractors. Slow hiring means a reduction in the staffing departments across the board nationwide. I know I was let go the end of 2008 because of that very reason. I knew many others with similar fates. Add to the fact many of the major Staffing and Recruiting based conferences felt the pinch with lower than expected attendances.

The good news, as I am seeing thus far and started seeing in late 2009, is that we’re rebounding. Conversations with my peers range from cautiously optimistic to upbeat. Companies seem to be quietly staffing up their recruiting spots as requirements are growing faster than projected. We’ve all heard it with Google, Microsoft, Yahoo among others. You’re probably experiencing it within your organization if employed. More requisitions and not enough resources to handle.

The purpose of my blog posting is more directed to those searching for opportunities. I wanted to share my personal experience and shed some light on finding opportunities and to let you know that things are in the beginning stages of shaping up for a busy rest of the year. There is hope – keep focused and persist with a smile and you will succeed.

What has greatly benefitted my situation? Well, while basic in its purest form, it is Networking. I know we’re heard it again and again, but really networking, making an effort to make contact with people – meaningful contact – is the key. Last year I was unemployed – meaning not engaged with a corporate client – for the first 4 months of 2009. Taking some advice from Shally Steckerl, I attended my first ERE conference last March in San Diego. While I was a bit overwhelmed initially, I found it very refreshing and energetic to get out and meet the same people with interests similar to mind own. Money was certainly tight for me at the time, but it was an investment in myself to get to ERE in San Diego (from Atlanta) to network and learn. And that I did. I had such a life altering experience that I made it a point to attend several other conferences later that year. I also walked away with relationships I never expected I’d make and developed business through those relationships. Life changing indeed.

Another form of networking I’ve been successful with is using the very tools I use to source with to help find contacts at companies I’m interested in consulting with. LinkedIn has been an asset to connect with Staffing Directors and Managers at various targeted companies. Most of the time there isn’t an immediate need for a staffing resource, but at least I’ve expressed interest and made a contact for anything that may open up down the road.

A good tip regarding blogs is stay connected and follow several blogs of people you’ve heard about or enjoy reading. While no one person knows exactly what is going to happen or what the next trends may be, it’s great to get a blended perspective on the state of our industry as well as the latest tips and tricks to make you better in what you do.

You’re not alone in your efforts to find your next position and keeping a pulse on what’s going on coupled with your networking efforts will yield opportunity – just stay the course and remain positive. Hope to see you at SourceCon and/or ERE in San Diego! Please stop me and introduce yourself – I’ll be happy to connect!

Meanwhile you can find other ways to connect with me here.