The hotspots of recruitment activity

The hotspots of recruitment activity

The latest Hays Quarterly Report shows hiring intentions are improving and a greater variety of skills are in demand than we’ve seen throughout the year.

The Hays Quarterly Report tracks skills in demand, and in its October edition includes such roles as Internal Auditors, Senior Architects and IT Project Managers, among others.

``Over the year pockets of demand certainly existed, but they were often centred upon managing the effects of the financial crisis,’’ said Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand. ``Credit Controllers, Insolvency Accountants and Litigation Lawyers for example were all wanted.

``Now, employers are also turning their focus to preparing for the expected upturn in business activity. Caution remains, but confidence is returning. They are recruiting staff to drive revenue, minimise risk and improve processes as well as rebuilding teams which have been coping with an increase in workload due to past redundancies. Headcount approval is attained far more easily and some headcount freezes are lifting.

``This is most obvious in the increased vacancy activity for short and long-term temporary staff to help with new projects and clear backlogs.

``As a result, there are areas that are feeling either a general, or in some cases acute, level of skills shortages, despite the unemployment rate,’’ Jason said.

According to the Hays Quarterly Report, these include:

• Accountancy & Finance: Qualified Accountants with three to four years experience, Internal Auditors at all levels, experienced Company Accountants, Tax Consultants, Credit Controllers and Payroll Clerks. Accounting firms are considering their succession plan and creating high-level opportunities with quick progression to Partnership for Senior BAS Managers.

• Architecture: Senior Architects with good business development skills and local contacts and Urban Designers.

• Construction: Construction Managers for work in remote and small South Island locations, Quantity Surveyors and Estimators.

• Contact Centres: Customer Service staff, Telesales and Account Managers to bring in more business and retain clients.

• Engineering: Senior Engineers with business development skills and existing clients, Transport Planners and Traffic Engineers.

• Human Resources: High-level senior Advisors and Principals.

• Information Technology: Business Analysts (process and SDLC). This is a positive sign as such skills are a precursor to additional project work. In another positive sign, Project Management roles are becoming available once more.
• Labour Hire: Trade-qualified Painters, Decorators and Carpenters. Employers are also recruiting Gardeners and Mowers for parks maintenance and Labourers.

• Office Support: All-rounders who can adapt quickly to a changing environment and additional duties, such as mid-level Administrators with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and MYOB skills. For similar reasons, Office Managers who can take on a range of skills are sought.

The full Hays Quarterly Report can be viewed at www.hays.net.nz/forecast.

ENDS

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