Tips on how to Stand Out in a Flat Job Market in 2026

Renata Bernarde (00:00)
The job market in 2025 has been marked by layoffs and extremely aggressive for job seekers. IT has additionally been marked by the rise of short-term contracts and interim roles.

presence within the workplace regardless of the insistence of some employers to convey staff again into the workplace full-time.

One other subject I’ve labored quite a bit with my purchasers this 12 months has been the wage negotiations piece, since salaries on provide appear to be decrease than these being supplied two, three years in the past.

And likewise, what’s government presence in spite of everything? How will we community if places of work and enterprise facilities are half empty? And what does self-promotion seems like? On this dialog with Geoff Slade, chairman of the Slade Group, we talk about all of those points that marked recruitment and the job seekers expertise in 2025, highlighting the flat job market, the ruthlessness in recruitment communication,

and the impression of layoffs on job seekers.

We then discover what we imagine would be the hallmarks for 2026, such because the rising calls for for interim roles, the challenges of negotiating flexibility, and the affect of AI on job functions.

We additionally contact on the significance of self-marketing, networking, and constructing government presence in a aggressive job market.

That is the third time that Geoff joins me on the finish of the 12 months for a mirrored image and a forward-looking dialog. I really like that IT’s an off-the-cuff chat between buddies and also you generally is a fly on the wall listening to us. Why Geoff? As a result of he’s acknowledged as a captain of his trade right here in Australia, the originator of top quality recruitment providers within the nation. And his group operates from entry-level clerical Jobs

all the best way to senior government appointments by means of their a number of recruitment manufacturers. Interchange Bench, Slade Group, Synchro Companions, and Transearch As latest as final week, a consumer talked about how a dialog with Geoff years in the past, after not shifting ahead in a task, modified his outlook in his life and profession. He has that impression on folks and represents what we would like recruiters to be for us.

each nice for his or her purchasers and for the candidates. I hope that you’ll get pleasure from this dialog as a lot as I did.

Renata Bernarde (02:56)
We’re each ingesting espresso. It is a informal dialog. This isn’t your first rodeo. Geoff we’ve accomplished this what number of occasions now? Three or 4? I can’t bear in mind. Yearly, that method we do that. I’m going to place the hyperlink under. imply, for these…

Geoff Slade (02:58)
Is that alright?

Yeah, yeah.

Renata Bernarde (03:14)
hardcore listeners who need to return and see what life was like again in 2023 and 24. I’ll put the hyperlinks under. However I couldn’t wait to have this dialog with you as a result of I didn’t count on 2025 to go the best way IT went. And I really feel like I used to be too Pollyannaish again on the finish of 2024 with my predictions for early 2025.

and IT didn’t go properly, IT didn’t go properly. IT was not what I anticipated.

Geoff Slade (03:46)
What have been my predictions? can’t bear in mind.

Renata Bernarde (03:49)
No, you have been far more taciturn. You have been far more pessimistic than I used to be. You knew, you knew. However I feel we each thought that when the elections have been over, each within the US and in Australia and UK, we thought that that will be a stabilizing issue. And I don’t assume that that was in any respect. So I need to begin with this overview of 2025.

What would you describe the job market to be in 2025? Flat. Had been there any sudden developments that took job seekers or employers without warning?

Geoff Slade (04:23)
Fairly flat.

I feel probably some corporations

the place

I hesitate to make use of the phrase ruthless, however I feel extra ruthless of their software of the best way they communicated with candidates, ⁓ which most likely left a bitter style within the mouth of fairly lots of people. Both that or they didn’t hear in any respect, which I feel is a typical, and that’s not simply, you understand, simply not corporates. I imply, that’s loads of recruitment corporations too.

Renata Bernarde (04:50)
Mm-hmm.

Sure, while you say

ruthless, are you saying they didn’t reply again to candidates, letting them know outcomes? What do imply by that?

Geoff Slade (05:16)
Yeah, properly, that, but in addition after they did, IT was

cursory. There was no kind of feeling or I’m sorry to let you understand or ⁓ no coronary heart within the communication. And I feel lots of people have been very disenchanted in that.

Renata Bernarde (05:29)
Yeah.

Yeah.

I can think about, yeah. This 12 months I interviewed a recruiter who misplaced her job, a expertise acquisition supervisor who labored in-house and misplaced her job in a large-scale layoff. And he or she was so horrified with what she skilled as a job seeker. IT actually modified her. IT actually affected her as a expertise acquisition supervisor, now again at work.

Geoff Slade (06:00)
for you.

Renata Bernarde (06:09)
And he or she discovered a job comparatively rapidly, however that’s as a result of she is aware of a lot about how issues work. nonetheless very shocked by the ruthlessness within the job market. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. I’ll put the hyperlink to that episode under. She’s within the UK and that was a extremely fascinating one as a result of I don’t have loads of UK friends on my podcast. So IT was good to have her. ⁓ I feel 2025.

Geoff Slade (06:20)
Yeah.

Hmm.

Renata Bernarde (06:36)
From my perspective, IT was a shock proper early within the 12 months as a result of IT felt like there have been so many layoffs occurring at scale in massive organizations. imply, most not too long ago we’ve had A and Z, however all year long we’ve had plenty of massive layoffs. And for the job seeker, IT provides them somewhat bit further fear due to the competitors within the job market.

although we don’t see loads of employed professionals competing with the job seekers, there have been very extremely certified job seekers competing with one another. In order that’s one thing that all through the world, you understand, I’ve purchasers within the US and we had the general public servants after which we had the United Nations and all its, you understand, affiliated companies after which we had all of the tech.

corporations and know many banks and monetary Jobs. Individuals are nonetheless unemployed since April Could and IT’s been actually powerful.

Geoff Slade (07:39)
I feel the turmoil in markets usually or international locations usually, know, the world’s not in a fairly place in the intervening time.

Renata Bernarde (07:47)
Mm-hmm.

Yeah.

Geoff Slade (07:52)
I feel persons are struggling because of that. Nobody is aware of what our pal Mr. Trump goes to do subsequent. England’s virtually shot itself within the foot. know, there’s chaos virtually wherever you look. And we’re most likely as properly off as anyone virtually, from what I can see.

Renata Bernarde (08:10)
Sure. ⁓

Yeah, IT looks as if we now have a buffer right here in Australia in comparison with different economies. Let’s return.

Geoff Slade (08:24)
I’m

truly studying something from all of that’s one other query. Truly in Victoria, imply Victoria’s basket case. And, you understand, the job market in Melbourne could be very powerful.

Renata Bernarde (08:29)
Sure, good level.

Sure.

Agreed, yeah.

Geoff Slade (08:40)
And I suppose

given you’re in Melbourne and I’m in Melbourne, that’s the place most of your prospects are. And IT’s definitely the place most of my prospects are.

Renata Bernarde (08:44)
No!

Yeah, I do have fairly a great steadiness between Melbourne and Sydney, and I’ve seen comparable points in Sydney as properly. was a time after I wasn’t even working as a profession coach, the place folks have been shifting to Sydney for roles. You don’t see that occuring anymore. In order that’s an issue, I feel, with all of our huge cities.

Geoff Slade (09:02)
Yeah.

Renata Bernarde (09:09)
Inform me in regards to the roles that you simply discover are in demand, that has been in demand this 12 months in 2025. Had been there industries or roles that you simply really feel that have been extra in demand than others?

Geoff Slade (09:23)
Probably not. assume one space the place there was elevated demand is in interim and momentary assist.

Renata Bernarde (09:25)
No.

Sure. That market has grown, hasn’t IT? Yeah. Now that that’s true. Do you assume IT alerts that the employer is uneasy to make long-term selections and that’s why they’re contracting in the meanwhile due to, yeah.

Geoff Slade (09:38)
Yeah.

Properly, I feel IT’s two-way. Corporations are reluctant as a result of they’re not assured of what’s coming down the pipeline subsequent. I feel candidates equally aren’t assured as a result of they don’t know what they’re going to get into. And persons are reluctant to maneuver, usually talking, for that motive. And they also’re a lot more durable to shift.

Renata Bernarde (10:02)
Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm.

Yeah. In earlier discussions, Geoff, I bear in mind us discussing the truth that the folks employed aren’t making use of for roles and when they’re, they don’t settle for IT. They return to their employer and renegotiate their packages. Is that also occurring? I’m assuming that senior degree that Slade and Trans-Search function in Yeah.

Geoff Slade (10:37)
Yeah, IT is occurring. ⁓

IT largely will depend on the explanation that they’re they’re ready to look within the first place. You recognize, if the, I imply, normally the fast supervisor is the massive downside. That’s why folks transfer. So relying on his or her habits will largely point out whether or not or not somebody will take a job or not take a job.

they assume they’ll dwell with this, then they could not find yourself taking a brand new job except they’re very assured that they’re shifting to one thing extra in step with what they’re searching for. However in any other case, they’re ready to return and talk about IT.

Renata Bernarde (11:09)
Mm.

Yeah. I feel what that does to the method for the job seeker is that, you understand, the second and the third choices, they should be on standby for method longer, not listening to again from the recruiters for weeks till issues…

Geoff Slade (11:30)
Yeah.

Properly, very often

the recruiters don’t hear again from the corporate for weeks both. You recognize, that’s not all the time the case clearly, however the actuality is that recruiters do get mucked round to an extent by the those who they’re speaking to throughout the corporates. However the particular person they’re speaking to within the corporates most likely getting mucked round by the particular person up the tree too.

Renata Bernarde (11:39)
Appropriate.

Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (11:59)
So, you understand, IT simply balloons down or cascades down the road.

Renata Bernarde (12:06)
Sure. I bear in mind being in that scenario as a candidate simply ready to listen to again from the recruiter. What’s the most effective follow for the recruiter? What do they do to keep up a correspondence with the candidates? Is IT higher to not contact the candidates as a result of it’s important to watch out what you say?

Geoff Slade (12:24)
No, I don’t assume so. I feel you must keep in communication. Even when IT’s to say, I’m sorry, I don’t have any additional information for you.

Renata Bernarde (12:27)
Okay.

Yeah, properly, that’s not occurring, Geoff, more often than not. Okay. So ⁓ the opposite dialogue we had final 12 months was distant and hybrid work. And I even did a presentation as a visitor of your staff to a bunch of chief folks officers. You weren’t there, however I feel you keep in mind that occurred, I feel September 2024.

And the entire dialog was about hybrid work and how you can optimize efficiency with workers that weren’t working full time within the workplace anymore. And I made a really huge case for hybrid work and for elevating management improvement of.

leaders and managers slightly than bringing folks full time to the workplace. After which the very subsequent day, Amazon mentioned, ⁓ need, we would like each worker to return again to the workplace full time. And I felt like.

I felt like folks would then assume, what was Renata saying? Why did she come right here and discuss hybrid? Have a look at the massive, gigantic Amazon asking all people to return again to the workplace full time. I nonetheless assume I used to be proper. Adam Grant not too long ago did a panel dialogue the place he showcased an entire bunch of analysis showcasing that.

hybrid work can carry out simply in addition to full time within the workplace work. If not higher, relying in your trade and the kind of work that you simply do. What do you assume employers are keen to barter with job seekers that need flexibility? I’ve had conditions the place IT has been actually onerous for my purchasers to barter flexibility in 2025 after which they declined

the job provide.

Geoff Slade (14:26)
Properly, wow. I’m unsure I’d be doing that in 2025 except I used to be very assured I’d discover one other job.

Renata Bernarde (14:35)
I agree, yeah, IT’s onerous.

Geoff Slade (14:37)
you understand,

market is hard. assume we’re beginning to see some inexperienced shoots, maybe even past inexperienced shoots within the final two or three months. Whether or not that can proceed into 2026, I feel is debatable, relying on issues like financial selections by the Reserve Financial institution and that kind of factor.

Renata Bernarde (14:54)
Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (15:03)
I don’t assume there’s that many corporations which might be insisting on 5 days every week within the workplace. I feel that horse is bolted, frankly. I don’t assume we’ll ever get again to 5 days every week within the workplace throughout the board.

Renata Bernarde (15:09)
Sure.

Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (15:20)
We’ve three and two right here, three days in and two days out. Appears to work okay. However I do assume IT has an impact on productiveness. I’ve received a pal, down on the Mornington Peninsula who owns a golf course. And I had a beer with him a number of months in the past and I mentioned, how’s enterprise? He mentioned, properly, Fridays have picked up and I mentioned, what do you imply? Figuring out precisely what he meant.

Renata Bernarde (15:32)
Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (15:49)
And he mentioned, Friday was our worst day. Now IT’s arguably our greatest, aside from the weekend. And I mentioned, how come? mentioned, they’re all working from dwelling, jokingly. However nonetheless, whether or not folks make up these hours that give them that flexibility, I feel is questionable. Some folks clearly do, and a few folks will all the time go above and past.

Renata Bernarde (15:59)
Thank ⁓

Yep.

Yeah.

Geoff Slade (16:14)
However

I feel plenty of folks don’t. And in lots of respects, I feel IT’s inherent in Australians that they assume they’ll get away with one thing.

Renata Bernarde (16:17)
Mm.

Mm.

Geoff Slade (16:26)
Sadly.

Renata Bernarde (16:28)
Sure. Look, I’m going to plug in my providers right here. I truly am very obsessed with serving to leaders who’re working with hybrid groups as a result of I do know IT has been a tough transition for them attending to know their employees properly and understanding how you can convey the most effective out of them in a hybrid or distant surroundings. truly work with organizations on that. I do two staff efficiency workshops. work

Geoff Slade (16:54)
That’s the finish of IT.

Renata Bernarde (16:55)
teaching managers, I’ve accomplished this for federal companies, know, authorities ⁓ environments. I’ve accomplished IT for not-for-profits. I’ve accomplished IT for manufacturing corporations. So for those who’re listening and also you’re , I’d be delighted, delighted to have a dialog with you. And I actually need to develop that aspect of my enterprise as a result of I do assume that IT is feasible to optimize a distant or hybrid staff.

by simply studying some, having further instruments in your management device set to just remember to are reaching your targets and never simply accepting a staff that’s underperforming and never cohesive. You need cohesion, you need tradition to develop in these environments, yeah.

Geoff Slade (17:38)
⁓ Properly, it is best to come

and speak to me as a result of I’d be desirous about having a chat with you about that.

Renata Bernarde (17:45)
You recognize what? I’m going to return and have a espresso with you down on the farm. I hold saying to you I’ll be doing this, however I’ll as a result of now the climate is enhancing. I’d a lot slightly drive south than drive north today. Okay. All proper. So let’s discuss… Sorry? good. I’d like to drink some wine as properly as a substitute of espresso. assume that that will be even higher.

Geoff Slade (17:49)
Alright.

You’re than welcome. You’re greater than welcome.

Properly you higher come within the

afternoon not within the morning.

Renata Bernarde (18:12)
Okay, okay, deal. All proper. So, okay, in order that’s been 2025. What about 2026? Can we be optimistic once more? Or are we simply kind of? No, you weren’t. was.

Geoff Slade (18:27)
Properly, I don’t assume I used to be overly optimistic final 12 months.

And I do truly assume that IT is enhancing marginally. However, you understand, IT’s not going to be again to pre-COVID anytime quickly.

Renata Bernarde (18:45)
After I interviewed you final 12 months, a number of months glided by after which I interviewed your spouse, Anita Ziemmer. I’m going to place the hyperlink under. And he or she mentioned one thing that IT was fairly surprising to me, however very true. She mentioned, I don’t assume that the adjustments, I’m going to paraphrase her. I don’t assume the adjustments are seasonal anymore. I feel that they’re tectonic. Like there’s a change occurring on the earth of labor.

And IT’s extra than simply ups and downs from time of the 12 months or economic system or, you understand, political points.

Geoff Slade (19:18)
Yeah. I

haven’t seen the interview. didn’t even inform me she’d been interviewed, however…

Renata Bernarde (19:23)
Sure.

IT was actually good. I used to be within the UK, she was right here. ⁓ I all the time appear to interview Anita after I’m some other place. However yeah, I saved interested by that due to synthetic intelligence, due to distant work and hybrid work. And now you mentioned getting into and contract work appears to be rising.

What does that imply for those that are from my technology? I’m X, proper? And we would like a everlasting function and we would like an earnings that comes repeatedly within the financial institution. My purchasers aren’t from this technology that understands freelancing and contracting and portfolio careers. They will adapt, however most of them don’t need to.

Geoff Slade (20:14)
However you’re most likely a bit completely different than most of your Gen X colleagues since you’re an entrepreneur. You recognize, you’re the precise reverse to what you simply described.

Renata Bernarde (20:20)
Yeah, so I’m completely different.

I do know I’m speaking about my purchasers right here and my listeners, proper? They actually battle with this concept of adjusting the best way that they have been introduced as much as perceive how you can earn a dwelling.

Geoff Slade (20:36)
Perceive?

Sadly, I don’t assume IT’s going to vary if something goes to proceed to go the opposite method.

So, you understand, from tectonic to extra tectonic. And, you understand, how might I argue with my spouse? She is aware of much more than I do.

Renata Bernarde (20:50)
Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (20:57)
about most issues.

Renata Bernarde (20:59)
How is that altering the recruitment enterprise?

Geoff Slade (21:04)
Attention-grabbing query.

Properly, I feel one of many issues is that we’re seeing development in interim work.

And we’ve simply had out right here the worldwide head of Transearch from London. And he or she’s seeing interim development all all over the world.

We, is my firm, have by no means actually targeted on interim work besides at what I’d name the executive ranges, clerical, advertising and marketing, low-level accounting, With out IT being on the government degree, however there may be definitely development on the very senior government degree in these kinds of roles.

In order that’s a method IT’s altering the enterprise.

I feel additionally that…

people which might be referred to as upon to step into these roles most likely have to be properly conscious of

a few components. One is that they need to be, in the event that they’re not, they need to be negotiating a considerably larger price for the Jobs they’re moving into due to the dearth of permanency. And I feel that

They have to be very updated with what which means. Additionally they want to grasp whether or not or not there are potential alternatives for this job to go everlasting.

And that can largely rely on how they sort out the probably. If IT’s a fill-in function for maternity go away or no matter, then IT’s most likely unlikely to go everlasting. But when IT’s as a result of anyone’s been distributed with a scarcity of efficiency, then you possibly can virtually assure that the job is both being looked for or shall be looked for.

And they also have to be trying to make an enormous impression.

whereas they’ve received that chance. And their communication expertise will play an enormous half in that whereas they’re within the firm.

Renata Bernarde (23:06)
Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (23:15)
and likewise with the recruiter.

Renata Bernarde (23:17)
I need to speak to you about two issues that you simply talked about with regard to interim work, however I need to convey them extra broadly. One is negotiating wage. Negotiating wage in a 12 months like 2025 and doubtlessly 2026 the place there may be not an equilibrium between provide and demand of candidates. The facility lies with the employer and the

and the job seekers are actually struggling within the present surroundings, is there room for them to nonetheless negotiate after they’ve made a suggestion?

Geoff Slade (23:54)
Yeah, I feel there may be. As a result of in the event that they’ve been made the provide, they’re clearly the candidate that stands out.

Renata Bernarde (24:01)
Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (24:03)
Attention-grabbing, was speaking to, I went to a cocktail party final evening down at Flinders in reality.

One of many folks there mentioned, my son, who’s one of many huge main development corporations in Australia, has been supplied a considerably larger job. He’s solely 28. A considerably larger job with this firm, however IT’s out of Sydney, down the South Coast.

And he mentioned, I really need the job and I actually just like the look of the chance and I feel IT can result in larger issues. However he mentioned the {dollars}, I feel, beneath par. So in his dialogue together with his mom was relating this story to me. So in his dialogue together with his superior, he kind of mentioned,

Look, I actually would love the job, however I don’t assume you’re providing the appropriate kind of cash. And the employer mentioned to him, properly, you higher go and do some homework, go and apply for different Jobs in different corporations and see what’s on provide. He mentioned, I’ve already accomplished that. And he’s pulled out the piece of paper and mentioned, these are the Jobs I’ve been supplied.

And I feel that was a great transfer. They’re now nonetheless negotiating, however IT wouldn’t have gotten to that if he hadn’t been ready, most likely.

Renata Bernarde (25:29)
Sure. Sure. I’ve all the time.

Geoff Slade (25:32)
These

are the belongings you’ve received to anticipate.

Renata Bernarde (25:35)
Sure.

Geoff Slade (25:36)
significantly within the wage negotiation. However equally, I simply did a job, I did a seek for a political group, one of many main political organizations in Australia. And there have been some difficulties round wage and I mentioned to the employer, why don’t you make this, you understand, the bottom wage was okay.

Renata Bernarde (25:39)
Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (26:00)
However they’d by no means considered rewarding efficiency. So I mentioned, don’t you concentrate on an STI and an LTI. If the occasion good points so many seats within the subsequent election, possibly you possibly can afford to an inexpensive bonus. ⁓ For those who win the subsequent election, possibly you pay a much bigger bonus. They usually then went with that.

Renata Bernarde (26:16)
Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (26:24)
And neither occasion had considered IT, neither the candidate nor the consumer.

Renata Bernarde (26:30)
Properly accomplished. That appears so apparent, isn’t IT? As a result of after they win, they do get a much bigger price range anyway. Yeah. Yeah. Is smart. That’s actually fascinating. The opposite factor I wished to ask you was in regards to the communication piece. Now with AI, final 12 months you talked about that persons are utilizing ChatGPT to do their job functions and that…

Geoff Slade (26:35)
Yeah.

Renata Bernarde (26:56)
Kova letters are coming to your staff trying precisely the identical. I ponder, what that claims and what that’s doing to job seekers’ skill to assume by themselves, you understand, and reply job interviews. Has your staff seen a distinction, pre-AI and post-AI, on how job seekers are speaking with them?

Geoff Slade (27:24)
Properly, for a begin, don’t assume that many job seekers are utilizing AI. I feel IT’s a comparatively small proportion thus far. However my warning to those that are is that they’ll’t afford to disregard their very own creativity. What do they actually assume? IT’s the identical when I’ve a marketing consultant who’s delivering a shortlist.

Renata Bernarde (27:31)
Okay.

Geoff Slade (27:49)
I say to them, except you’re ready to again your self and say, I feel this particular person is the most effective particular person for the job and these are the explanations. And that particular person is likely to be the third or fourth finest particular person by way of match towards the place description. But when they’ve received, in the event that they’re in a position to ⁓ touch upon issues like character and integrity and all these kinds of issues.

I feel they should make these kinds of feedback or their communication expertise, or their presentation expertise. You recognize, IT’s, I feel actually essential that the candidate themselves can do this and take into consideration issues differently. What makes you stand out? For those who’ve all received the identical AI created software, you aren’t going to face out.

Renata Bernarde (28:42)
Sure.

Geoff Slade (28:41)
And fervour too. ⁓

Why ought to I be the candidate for this job? For those who can categorical ardour.

in regards to the job or in regards to the firm or each and also you’ve received the inherent capabilities and also you’re good at communication and also you’re good at presentation expertise and all that kind of factor. You possibly can stand out by expressing that.

Renata Bernarde (29:10)
in case your staff can inform that anyone has been utilizing AI. I imply, I’m assuming that they’ll inform. And if that has an impression on their choice about taking a candidate ahead or not.

Geoff Slade (29:16)
Yeah.

I feel sure and no is the reply, actually. Some folks will choose IT, others received’t, relying on the extent of expertise they’ve received, relying on what they consider the candidate anyway, how deeply they need to examine that kind of factor.

Renata Bernarde (29:27)
Mm.

What do you assume, Geoff, has been the most important points in your staff in 2025? What are the most important complaints they’ve with the recruitment course of as we speak?

I’m looking for issues that would assist my job seekers, sure.

Geoff Slade (29:59)
Yeah, I perceive that.

Properly, I feel what we simply talked about is one. I feel.

Renata Bernarde (30:05)
Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (30:10)
you possibly can’t apply for a job in be Vanilla.

You recognize, as if you, that is simply one other software and do I care whether or not I get IT or not? I feel you’ve received to have the ability to by some means in the best way you write or what you write, you’ve received to have the ability to kind of get that message throughout and even on the phone, you’ve received to have the ability to get that message throughout that that is actually essential to you.

And never solely is IT actually essential, why is IT actually essential?

And why do you, why do I feel I’m a great candidate for this job? You recognize, if I’m studying the commercial appropriately or I’ve been briefed by the recruiter appropriately, I can tick off these containers. That is what I’m all about.

However too many candidates ignore all that.

hesitate to say this, however in a method we’re kind of…

creating a society that may be a bit vanilla. I feel you’ve heard me say this earlier than. One of many issues I’ve nice problem with in right here, in my very own firm, is getting younger folks.

Renata Bernarde (31:15)
Sure.

Geoff Slade (31:26)
to construct private relationships. I say to them, if I used to be going to fulfill a younger girl and I believed, you understand, possibly I need to marry her or I need to have a long-term relationship together with her, can I do this on the cellphone or by way of e mail? No, you possibly can’t. Get on the market and see them head to head. There’s an actual reluctance to do this. Now, I don’t imagine IT’s as a result of they’re lazy.

I simply assume this has developed over the past 5 years or so, whereby they simply don’t need to get off their bottom and go and meet anyone as a result of possibly they really feel that they don’t have the boldness to win them over.

Renata Bernarde (32:13)
Mm.

Geoff Slade (32:14)
So that you’ve received to imagine in your self. Self-belief is huge factor, not solely find a job, however in… I’ve personally present in my very own life, I don’t assume I’d have ever received the woman who’s now my spouse over if I hadn’t had self-belief. ⁓ I wouldn’t have received loads of Jobs on the market out there if I hadn’t had self-belief.

Renata Bernarde (32:30)
Yeah, sure.

Geoff Slade (32:36)
I hadn’t been ready to say to the consumer, I feel it is best to take into consideration this differently.

Renata Bernarde (32:43)
Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (32:44)
Now, you understand, I’ve most likely misplaced some Jobs because of that. But additionally, you understand, on steadiness, I’ve most likely received a hell of much more than I’ve misplaced.

Renata Bernarde (32:53)
I can inform that that is by far essentially the most difficult difficulty for my listeners. I do know this as a result of at any time when I discuss networking in my episodes, IT boosts my listenership. In order that episode will get extra ⁓ curiosity. And the opposite factor that is also of nice curiosity to each

those who comply with me on LinkedIn and on the podcast is government presence. These are the 2 key phrases that get me essentially the most views, community and government presence. And I feel that they’re linked as a result of to community as an skilled skilled, you need to have government presence. Not that IT must be, such as you mentioned, you don’t need all people to have the identical government presence, however you need to current your self properly.

Geoff Slade (33:27)
Mm-hmm.

Renata Bernarde (33:47)
when you’re in entrance of individuals. ⁓ Sure, that’s the entire level. High of thoughts.

Geoff Slade (33:49)
You need folks to recollect who you’re.

Yeah.

And I feel IT will get down largely to a insecurity. And the longer you’re out of labor, the much less confidence you’ve received.

So IT’s one thing that actually needs to be labored on for my part is that skill to stroll right into a room and be current and, and.

virtually take over the truth that I would like these folks to grasp who I’m or at the very least bear in mind me for the truth that they’ve met me.

Renata Bernarde (34:28)
Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (34:31)
And IT’s tough, you understand, I feel IT’s very tough while you don’t have faith in your self. However IT’s one thing that actually does should be labored on.

Renata Bernarde (34:41)
Yeah. Geoff, let’s play this sport of imagining what we’d do if we have been unemployed, you and I. Let’s say, you understand, we’re each in our mid-40s, huge layoff occurred in our group. We’ve been working there for over 15 years, if no more. Impulsively, IT’s the tip of 2025 and IT’s the tip of our time in that group.

along with a whole lot of individuals the place we’re out. Figuring out what you understand about how recruitment works, what would you do subsequent?

Geoff Slade (35:22)
I’d market at myself.

And this may change from, know, folks have completely different circumstances. A few of these folks you’re speaking about of their 40s, for example, have gotten two or three youngsters. They’ve received to feed and educate. They’ve received their spouse or husband very involved as a result of earnings is drying up. You recognize, they may get a pleasant payout from the company, however…

that can solely final so lengthy. In order that they should study to market themselves. One of many issues I like to recommend is that they perceive what IT is that they create to a corporation. And I feel IT’s very straightforward to…

I that possibly I’ve not received the talents I believed I had, however I feel for those who actually analyse IT, what’s IT I convey to the desk?

Then I’d be who’re the businesses in Australia, not essentially simply within the metropolis through which you reside, which have some relationship to the trade I’ve beforehand been in. For those who’ve labored in banking, must you be insurance coverage as one other a part of the monetary providers trade?

Simply for instance. And determine these corporations which might be both in hassle from what you possibly can learn or rising. Possibly by means of acquisition, possibly by means of simply the truth that they’ve carried out very properly or no matter circumstance has introduced them to your consideration.

Then I’d be placing collectively a spin to my resume or to my CV. And I’d be calling the corporate, both the CRO, CPO, sorry, or the CEO. What I’ve all the time mentioned to my guys is IT’s a lot simpler to work from the highest down than the underside up. However there’s a little bit of a propensity to begin on the backside and work your method up, which

You by no means get to essentially, as a result of once more, IT’s that confidence issue.

So I’d be approaching both the CEO and what lots of people I feel fail to acknowledge is that if the CEO takes your name and also you inform them what you’re searching for and who you’re and what you’ve accomplished and he says, properly, look, I really want to, you really want to speak to my CPO.

So then ring the CPO and say the MD has prompt I provide you with a name. IT’s prone to garner a way more optimistic response than for those who’re simply Joe Blow off the road.

Renata Bernarde (38:14)
Hmm.

Geoff Slade (38:14)
So

it’s important to use that to your benefit. usually talking, assume for those who or I checked out what kind of corporations and what kind of industries too, which industries are rising.

Renata Bernarde (38:17)
Sure.

Geoff Slade (38:30)
which industries are shrinking. If you’d like a long-term profession, then you definately’ve actually received to attempt to place your self to get right into a development trade. IT’s fascinating, after I began on this enterprise 59 years in the past,

I used to take a seat there and I had a script. I didn’t assume folks would speak to me as a result of I used to be 21. And I’d sit there with a script and so they’d what do you do? I’d say, I’m a personnel marketing consultant. They’d say, what’s a personnel marketing consultant? That’s what we have been referred to as in these days. And that will generate extra dialogue.

Renata Bernarde (39:05)
Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (39:11)
So it’s important to be, they, the folks you’re speaking about should be ready to.

generate that dialogue and make themselves engaging within the eyes of whoever IT is that they’re speaking to.

a optimistic begin to the connection. I feel I could make a distinction to your organization. May be a pleasant technique to begin. And for this reason. You possibly can’t simply go and say, I feel I’d make a distinction to your organization and never have a motive why. Or the explanation why. IT’s all about promoting your self. The identical with the CV. If the CV is bland and uninteresting,

Renata Bernarde (39:43)
Mm-hmm.

Geoff Slade (39:53)
IT’ll simply go to the underside of the pile.

You’ve received to be aggressive about IT. That’s the fact. Particularly on this kind of market.

Renata Bernarde (39:58)
Sure.

What I really like about your recommendation right here is that this episode is popping out in December. And I discover that December is such a good time to do this pre-work, to do this evaluation and analysis. You might have the time, the supply, the job market, IT goes into kind of a sluggish season. Yeah, you may as properly spend time planning, rehearsing, prepping your pitch.

Geoff Slade (40:12)
Yep.

little bit of quite a bit. ⁓

Renata Bernarde (40:30)
you understand, and doing all that work. I additionally love as a result of IT validates every little thing that I inform folks, however IT’s a lot better when IT comes from the mouth of a recruiter. sure, sure.

Geoff Slade (40:40)
Properly, you possibly can’t be a prophet in your individual land. have the… I’d to herald

outdoors audio system as a result of they’re sick of listening to me.

Renata Bernarde (40:49)
Sure,

I did a webinar a few weeks in the past and IT was very properly attended. And after I mentioned, you understand, there are 3 ways of searching for work, proactive, reactive and passive. Reactive is while you take a look at Jobs which might be marketed and also you apply. And for those who do this, that’s an obstacle. You you missed out on all the networking in the course of the time that they have been discussing the function, all the

connections that you can have had earlier than making use of for a task. Passive is when you may have such an ideal profile and status, folks attain out to you. In order that might be a really properly optimized LinkedIn profile. You understand how passionate I’m about LinkedIn. You might have a status that precedes you. Folks will consider you. You simply sit there and also you wait and folks will come to you since you’ve accomplished the onerous work. And proactive is precisely what you’re

proposing, you you attain out, you do the analysis. And each time I say this in a webinar, and IT’s not the primary time, I say this on a regular basis, folks will come within the Q &A and anonimously say, this doesn’t work for me. I’m like, IT works for everyone, proper? Like I actually does. You simply must, to drag your socks up and never be afraid. You recognize, there’s, there’s braveness and vulnerability in doing that.

Geoff Slade (41:59)
Yeah.

There may be. What have you ever received to All they’ll say isn’t any.

Renata Bernarde (42:10)
IT’s probably not even assured. Sure, precisely.

Sure, sure, precisely what I instructed a consumer yesterday. You recognize, don’t have a job but. The worst that would occur is you received’t nonetheless have a job after this. You simply must take some strategic dangers. You recognize, IT’s not an enormous danger. It is advisable to be ready.

and strategy them with information, with confidence and encouragement.

Geoff Slade (42:38)
And this doesn’t should be verbal, this may be in your CV.

Renata Bernarde (42:40)
Yeah.

Geoff Slade (42:44)
categorical the appropriate method and with a optimistic bent to IT you can also make your self fascinating.

Renata Bernarde (42:53)
Thanks, Geoff, for as soon as once more becoming a member of me. IT’s been a pleasure.