Employees carefully considering choice of employer

Dateline: 03.09.2009
Author: Press release

After months of economic uncertainty, it seems some optimism is again entering Australia's recruitment landscape, and the building services contract cleaning market is no exception. But while employers are hiring in particular areas, there's no doubt the global financial tsunami has left in its wake a changed recruitment market. Here Tim James (pictured), senior regional director of Hays Facilities Management, looks at the changes.

Sentiment is finally improving in the recruitment market after a challenging year. While activity is still a long way from the extreme skills shortages of recent years, vacancies are nevertheless evident.

But these vacancies are not perhaps where expected. A large number of contracts are changing hands, ensuring recruitment momentum is maintained. Rather than replace a departing staff member who manages a small portfolio of sites though, a business is likely to divide the sites between its existing management team.

Instead, vacancies are available at larger key sites with demanding requirements that necessitate several management staff. Experienced client service managers (CSMs) and senior operations managers are thus still in demand.

Another change to today's recruitment market is more equilibrium between job vacancies and candidate supply. However, while the number of available candidates has increased, they often do not match the level of candidate that employers want - which is a candidate with a solid depth of experience in a senior or management level role.

Job security has also now inevitably come to the fore of candidates' minds. This focus on the long-term is a good development. Rather than focusing on short-term monetary gains through a string of successive employers, candidates are carefully considering their choice of employer and looking towards future career stability over a short-term fix.

This means salary pressure has reduced in today's market. With contracts changing hands and driven by price, it follows that for a company recruiting for a new contract, salary is a resultant focus. Employers want quality candidates at a good price. The heady days of the skills shortage, where a candidate could expect a large salary increase for merely changing roles, are gone.

Today candidates typically change roles for a comparable salary.

With businesses understandably looking at process and cost improvements, it follows that their ideal candidate can offer strategic value. For example, companies are currently looking to secure new contracts within the cleaning sector so business development or bid experience would be valuable, while operational candidates could up skill by seeking exposure to higher duties for larger clients.

Job seekers should also be patient. The hiring process has lengthened, with employers enjoying the luxury of increased candidate choice. Consequently expect a longer hiring timeframe. Be persistent and determined.

Above all, candidates should maintain their confidence. Those that put their job searches on hold to see what comes could miss out on career growth. The top candidates today are those who are sure of their ability to make a difference and approach an interview with a positive and confident attitude.

Hays Facilities Management has been at the forefront of facilities management recruitment since its inception in the early 90s.

Today we enjoy a reputation as the industry's recruiter of choice and our name is synonymous with many of the key facilities management and maintenance appointments.

From directors and general managers on retained assignments to temporary teams on major projects, Hays Facilities Management recruits individuals or teams for major property owners, facilities service providers/contractors, consultancies, government departments and private enterprises.
www.hays.com.au

Employees carefully considering choice of employer