Professor Karol Sikora

As with a lot of people, the days seem like a rollercoaster of good and bad news.

Late morning/early afternoon is the death toll of the day before, which is always more than you’d want it to be. Then the hope that we’re effectively fighting it after the government briefing in the early evening.

I have largely tried to avoid social media, as I find I take notice of fucking idiots (tbf, I always have done, but it’s now on something which actually matters, rather than Man Utd starting line ups and transfer targets) who only want to spread bad news and negativity. However, I have found an absolute beacon of informed positivity: Professor Karol Sikora (@ProfKarolSikora). It is very easy to gravitate towards blindless optimism, but this amazing man manages to manage (overuse of man) expectations, whilst giving informed and articulate commentary on what is going on. I have found following him very comforting.

We’re very fortunate to be working with some progressive, forward-thinking companies who are cracking on with operations and recruitment, which is helping us immensely. Not only does it allow us to have a potential revenue pipeline, it allows me to do what I love most (well, it’s in the top 5 of things – PM me for the other 4), speaking with candidates.

One of the most frequent things I am asked is ‘what do you think is going to happen over the next few months?’. My initial, honest answer is ‘I do not know’. As I don’t. No one does. However, I do feel like I am able to give a relatively informed opinion on what I think is going to happen over the next few weeks/months. So here goes.

I think the next couple of weeks will be very quiet. We will all be waiting to see what the situation will be with removing the restrictions on movement. I do not think we will have a definitive answer, but I do think we will have a better idea of the plan we are working to. Because of this, I think a lot of companies will not be making decisions on recruiting, whether that is interview shortlists, job offers or even job sign-offs. So if you’re currently in the market, do not be too perturbed if the next 2 weeks is very quiet – just stick with it. Keep in regular contact with your chosen consultant or company, but do not worry if there is nothing definitive happening.

After we have a better idea, we will all be able to plan towards things. Whether that be important things like family reunions (or in my case grandparent babysitting duties), seeing friends again or even visiting the pub (I literally can not wait to have a pint in a pub again), we will have a realistic idea of time scales, which we can plan to. Those plans may not come to fruition for another 4-6 weeks, but we will have something to plan around and work towards. This will be reflected in the companies and clients we work with. They will be gearing their business up to manage the transition from now to former normality. This transition will no doubt include the realignment and building of their teams as well as potentially new, restricted ways of working.

I am hoping (praying) that I will be able to work somewhere other than my garage around the 20th of May.

I hope you’re all safe and well. Stay positive, don’t spread false information and stay the fuck inside.