Hays Human Resources
January - March 2012
Hotspots
We continue to see a strong demand for specialist candidates, in particular Learning & Development. This is across all industries within the commercial and financial services sectors.
Overcoming the skills shortage
In order to overcome the current skill shortage in talent management, organisations are recruiting high potential candidates who then partake in the succession plan to manager level. Internal training and development are also on the rise as organisations look to promote from within and up skill their existing talent. This also helps with retention.
The coming quarter
Due to the continued uncertainty in the European markets and the lead up to Chinese New Year, the first half of this quarter will be slower than usual as key recruitment is put on hold due to headcount issues within global organisations. Following New Year, vacancy activity will rise in local companies as they recruit for the year ahead. Predictions are recruitment will be for critical roles and not necessarily new roles.
Executive recruitment
Learning and Development is the key senior specialist role that is in demand both globally and regionally. This demand will continue as companies look to up skill staff and address succession planning and staff retention. Also in demand are candidates from specialist industries with a stable work history, in particular within Life Sciences and Manufacturing.
Employer trends
At the executive level, employers are looking internationally for senior candidates as the talent within the local market is limited. Although HR and the industry candidates work in can be transferable into other new industries, employers are still keen to recruit staff from an industry similar to theirs.
Candidate trends
Following annual bonuses and the Chinese New Year, there will be an influx of new candidates on the market as they seek their next new challenging career move. This will create more opportunities although the prediction is that companies will be more selective as well.
