by Mike Moriarty
With the entire industry buzzing about upgrades from 3G to 4G and fiber optic installations, it’s hard to believe that a downturn in telecommunications employment is on the way. However, the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2010-2011 industry report projects a 9% decrease in telecom industry employment for the period 2008 to 2018.
What does this mean to your company? It certainly doesn’t mean that the industry is dead. Instead, it is in a state of flux. In fact, a recent article suggests industry spending on new technology will be up through 2012. (2) Simply put, it means opportunity for hiring managers to connect with top industry talent as the changes play out.
Background
The current BLS report suggests an 11% reduction in the number of those employed in the wired sector and a 1% decrease in the wireless sector of the industry. Demonstrated productivity increases as new, more robust technologies are deployed, as well as the consolidation of providers and industry support companies, are largely credited with these decreases. The wireless sector is constantly upgrading networks as new technologies emerge, however, upgrades are far less labor intensive than new construction. In the wired sector, competition with wireless providers and the reliability of fiber optic networks over copper are reducing the need for repair and installation technicians. The report suggests that the need customer service reps will actually increase as a result of increased consumer demand for services and support.
The Challenge for Hiring Professionals
As the demand for workers decreases, the number of skilled, reliable candidates available increases. It’s great for your business with the exception that connecting with the talent you need, when you need it, is a real challenge. The best candidates for your next big upgrade or detailed site study may be in the middle of Oregon and you may be in Texas. Your job requirements may match some, but not all of their skill set. They may have forgotten to check the “willing to relocate” box on their job board. The whole time, they have all-star credentials, are ready to move at a moment’s notice and are perfect for your job. Yet, you don’t connect.
The Opportunity
Resourcing firms specializing in technology and engineering solutions have already done the legwork. Their job is to pre-qualify candidates for specialized positions and immediate mobilization. If they’re doing it right, they also get the whole story behind your hiring needs.
Sergio Aguirre, an Account Executive at global technology resources company Talascend in Troy, MI says, “It’s very important that your resourcing partner asks the right questions. They should be asking questions like, ‘You gave me the job description and requirements but, who are you really looking to hire? What’s not on the job description that you really want?’ Look for a firm that digs a little deeper and you’re more likely to get better results.”
VP of Sales at Talascend, Debra Timmerman, concurs, “Customers should expect their resourcing partner to pre-qualify proven, talented candidates before they are presented. There is a lot of diversity in the telecom marketplace. While one engineer may specialize in fiber, another may be a cellular expert, or both. You might even find a line technician that is working toward a P.E. designation. Those are the types of things that can get missed on a resume. Pre-qualification’s end result is that your positions are filled more quickly, with the best fit possible, even in highly-specialized areas of employment.”
Are Resourced Technical Solutions Right for Your Telecom Enterprise?
Only you can make that decision. Technical resource firms often offer a range of contracts from temporary, project-by-project staffing to permanent, direct-hire services. With large teams of recruiters specializing in various technical fields, they often make your search and hiring processes exponentially faster. They offer services on an competitive or RPO basis. Look for a firm with worldwide reach to increase your chances of finding the most qualified candidates. Also look for a resourcing partner that is a member of professional staffing organizations.
In this day and age of marketplace uncertainty, it pays to have a partner ready to step-in and perform when you need it most. A technical resourcing firm may be the answer to helping you meet the challenge.
