Hire the right staff for recovery.

• Author: Heffes, Ellen M.
• Position: HUMAN RESOURCES - Brief article

As companies attempt to position strategically to emerge from the recession, Kelly O. Kay, global managing partner of the Software Practice at executive search and leadership advisory firm Heidrick & Struggles, advises them to "think strategically about recruiting the right people who can lead them out of the downturn."

Companies adjusting to economic uncertainty are likely to need a set of skills that they didn't previously require or have in-house. Many companies, Kay says, have tried to delay hiring or make due with what they have, such as promoting someone internally into a "stretch" position. Most companies, he says, have set...