This is certainly not the first time we have seen businesses navigate a volatile economy with mixed signals. For many companies, the decision to pause hiring is driven by a lack of clarity and concerns about the economic outlook.

Following the challenges of the last year, there have been recent signs of optimism and improvements in both the jobs report and inflation rates. But just as companies were poised to hire, the stock market fluctuations and tariff concerns left many companies sitting on the fence, unsure whether to proceed with hiring or wait out the economic storm.

And then there was Wednesday. The U.S. government’s decision to pause tariffs for 90 days caused an instant rebound in the market (followed by a dip the next day) and could have far-reaching implications.

All this begs the question: what should companies do now?

With our depth of experience in the staffing and recruiting industry, we have been around the block a few times. When we talk to our internal industry veterans about what they have learned from previous downturns and recoveries, we get the same response: the best companies move first to get the best talent.

“In every market recovery I’ve seen, the companies that win aren’t the ones who wait for perfect conditions—they’re the ones who move early, hire smart, and are ready when momentum returns.” says staffing industry veteran Chris Soderlund of XPG Recruit, with 27 years of experience. “I am already lining up A-level talent because this next wave of hiring is going to be big.”

While caution is understandable, companies have an opportunity to make strategic hires and position themselves for future growth. Delaying hiring too long risks losing out on top talent, which could hinder future innovation and competitiveness.

The key is not to freeze in place, but to make thoughtful decisions about hiring that align with both immediate needs and future goals. The economy may be in flux now, but if the market does take off like many expect, competition for talent will become intense. If companies don’t have the right people in place to meet the needs of customers, those customers will go elsewhere.

“Historically, the best organizations swiftly adapt to market changes by actively recruiting talent ahead of competitors,” says Tonya Lain of XPG Recruit, reflecting on her three decades in the industry.  “These companies recognize the importance of securing top talent to drive success and maintain a competitive edge. Plus, it matches up with the best talent who are often also strategic and moving first.”

Our experienced recruiters point to three examples during their careers where the difference between winning and losing was how soon you began hiring:

The Global Pandemic As the economy began to recover, the job market became increasingly competitive. Many companies that initially paused hiring or delayed rehiring found themselves in fierce competition for talent as the labor market tightened. Those who didn’t move quickly enough or didn’t adapt to the changing landscape missed opportunities to secure high-quality candidates.

The 2008 Financial Crisis: During the global financial crisis, many companies froze hiring or laid off large portions of their workforce due to the widespread economic downturn. However, companies that took calculated risks and continued investing in talent during this time—especially in industries like technology—emerged from the crisis stronger than their competitors. Those who hesitated to hire struggled to catch up with the market’s recovery.

The Dot-Com Bubble: The early 2000s saw a major boom in the tech industry, followed by a sharp crash. While some companies scaled back hiring during the downturn, those that continued to recruit top talent and invest in research and development during this time were able to rebound quickly and capitalize on new market opportunities in the years that followed.

“Hiring is already in motion,” says Davis Hull, Executive Recruiter at XPG Recruit. “We are actively hiring for our clients who are making a move while others hesitate. I firmly believe if you’re not hiring now, you’re not just missing candidates, you’re missing a competitive advantage.”

Other factors that show encouraging signs are the most recent jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which shows U.S. payrolls for March rose by 228,000—nearly double what was expected. And with inflation declining to 2.4%, many believe the time is now to make a move on the best talent before your competition sweeps them up.

At XPG Recruit, we have been expecting this recovery and have been developing our candidate relationships with top talent. Reach out today to benefit from our proactive approach, before others make a move first.