The recovery after a recession is a time of huge opportunity for recruiters. History tells us that great companies in our space have blossomed during this phase, brands have been built and fortunes have been made.

In particular people talk a great deal about the recession being an opportunity to gain market share for those companies who survive it. And that’s true. But it’s only an opportunity, not a certainty.

Informed decisions have to be made about where the growth will come. Resources need to be allocated to take advantage of the predicted increase in demand. You need to be very aware of where your competitors have fallen away, which key clients are now vulnerable and open to your approaches. It needs to be strategic and targeted, and not just across the board. Where is the growth going to come, has to be your question? What tactics are needed by you to capture it?

The answer may even require you to refocus your niche specialisation. What was good for you in the last boom may be a shrinking sector in the reviving market. If necessary you need to shift your focus substantially. Brave decisions for challenging times but remember, not every one will ride on the tide equally. Clear thinkers and smart implementers will thrive.