About - Recruiter’s View

Sooner or later, everything in real life influences the jobs markets. So, our topics here range all over the place.

In our search to discover and share what’s really going on, we are particularly trying to answer the questions:

  • Where will jobs be created (and why?)
  • Where will jobs be destroyed (and why?)

This is my commentary on what I see and what I think it means.

People sometimes ask my opinion, because they assume a Recruiter’s activity can be a useful indicator.

And in fact, it’s true that I can pick up on changes in the business environment months ahead of the published numbers.

Understanding the implications of those changes is the trick. Daily conversations with business leaders give me the equivalent of perpetual survey results. And talking to candidates is the perfect reality check.

Ultimately, then, my evaluation is largely formed as an extension of what many, many others have been kind enough to share with me.

So, when you think I’ve got it wrong, I encourage you to tell me what you see from your side of the mountain.

We’re all trying to figure this out together.

Thanks for being a part of our effort!

-TD

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Auto Magic

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A family member was coming to the end of a three-year lease.  She wanted to get a new car. There are no new cars. So, she bought her existing car out of lease.  Of course, the purchase price was based on lease documents written three years ago.  The instant she signed the papers, the retail…

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Heroes, Unite

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Last year, politicians fell all over themselves, applauding the brave truckers who risked their lives, delivering food and supplies to huddled masses, trapped in COVID lockdown.   As usual, politicians are now attacking these same heroes, demanding COVID compliance with crippling shipping restrictions.  The truckers are winning.  My letter last week observed nasty supply chain…

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Landmark – Detroit Bankruptcy

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We knew Detroit was imploding. We might be surprised how complicated its bankruptcy will become. Beyond unions, retirees, bond holders and tax payers, other collapsing cities will also have a stake in the results.  They’ll almost certainly model their actions off Detroit’s decisions. Meanwhile, the state of Michigan may be heading in a different direction…

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What’s An Engineer Worth?

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There’s a lot of confusion in the market. I’m seeing wild bid/ask spreads of 50% for all levels of engineers. A major international processor budgets $80,000 for an engineer in the U.S. Nine months later, the position remains unfilled, and two more engineers have left. An engineering/construction firm budgets $80,000 – $90,000. The position is…

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