Making a career transition is never easy, but when you throw a global pandemic into the mix it can make the process infinitely more difficult. However, this week I heard a story that I had to write about. It is all about how two global businesses came together to support my candidate in his time of need.
My candidate, an experienced Sales Applications Engineer, found himself in “employment limbo” after giving his notice in January, with a scheduled start date in April. His current company had accepted his resignation and the new company was looking forward to having him within their team. Due to the client-facing nature of his new position and the social distancing measures in place it became impossible for him to start the role so, unfortunately, his new employer had to postpone his start date.
As he had already handed his notice in and was coming to the end of his three-month notice period, he was very much in ‘no man’s land’. Responsible for his young family including a new-born, my candidate was anxious about his future.
By being pragmatic and solution-orientated, my candidate resolved his situation together with both his new and existing employers. Following an open conversation with his existing employer they agreed to extend his contract month by month until he was able to leave and start his new role. To hear of an employer that supports their staff despite being aware of their imminent departure is a huge credit to them. But that wasn’t all. His new employer also agreed to pay his salary if his existing employer was not able to offer this extension.
The Coronavirus pandemic continues to cause hardship to many, yet it can also bring out the best in both individuals and businesses alike. Through their actions these businesses and this candidate have demonstrated their integrity and pragmatism during unprecedented times.
I am proud to be working with such businesses and candidates and I hope stories like these become the rule and not the exception.
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