Operating a business during a recession can be terrifying; but it’s especially scary for recruiters who depend on job growth as the lifeline of their business.  But what many recruiters don’t understand is that even during a recession, recruiting businesses should continue to aim for growth. Below are a few tips on how recruiters can grow their business during a recession:

1. The first thing every recruiter should do is focus on what’s most important to the bottom-line of their business.  Sales and building strong relationships with clients can not only keep a recruiting business afloat during hard times, but once hiring picks up it can increase revenues.
2. Don’t allow yourself to become sidetracked into activities which aren’t profitable in the long-term.  While there is nothing wrong with taking on work that has short-term benefits only, the majority of your focus should remain on activities that will have long-term and big impacts on revenues.
3. Consistently and persistently market your services to both clients and job candidates. Even if a client or job candidate doesn’t need your services at this time, by keeping yourself on their “front burner” of their mind, you position yourself as a first pick once the economy improves.
4. Make sure that you measure the results that you’re getting from any activity. How profitable are the activities you’re engaged in?  If you are finding that a certain recruiting focus, client or even job candidate is not generating the type of benefit you want, implement a plan to shift to more profitable clients, candidates and industries.