Job market heating up

Job market heating up

Despite a higher than expected unemployment rate in the June quarter, New Zealand’s job market is gearing up for growth says recruiting experts Hays.

“The high unemployment rate for the June quarter took most people by surprise however what we’re seeing now is in direct contrast to these figures,” says Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand.

“We are able to view the NZ employment market in real time, and our daily activity reflects what is happening right now as opposed to three months ago. Recruitment needs have been steadily increasing this quarter and we’re even beginning to see skill shortages in certain areas.

“In order to capitalise on the improving market conditions and gain market share many employers are recruiting now before the talent war really takes effect. Employers are aware it can take up to six months for a new employee to reach 100 per cent productivity and in the wake of the global financial crisis, productivity is top of mind.

“While some industries such as residential and non-residential building, retail and government sectors are experiencing pressure, other industries are gearing up for growth. Even within Construction we are experiencing greater activity particularly within engineering design, energy and civil construction. We have also experienced significant growth across Information Technology, Finance and Professional Office Support.” he said.

The latest Hays Quarterly Report for July – September reveals a growing list of skills in demand across New Zealand:

• Accountancy & Finance: Demand is high within New Zealand for solid Payroll candidates. High-quality part-qualified Assistant Accountants are also sought as a key element in succession planning. Newly qualified Financial and Management Accountants are needed as more candidates at this level commence their OE, as are Financial and Business Analysts with specific industry/sector expertise. Within the profession, demand is high for qualified accountants across Audit, Business Advisory Services and Tax.
• Construction: Quantity Surveyors with over three years experience are sought in response to increased tender activity.
• Contact Centres: Demand for Customer Service and Telesales staff is rising, while the need for Collections specialists and Account Managers for customer retention purposes also remains strong.
• Energy: Investment into the existing network and Government funding for the roll-out of the new broadband has created demand for Line Mechanics, Cable Jointers, Glove and Barrier Mechanics, HV Electrical Fitters, Supervisors and Distribution Managers. PILON cable layers for fibre optic broadband are also in demand.
• Engineering: Structural Engineers with client facing and business development skills are in high demand. Transportation Planners and Traffic Engineers are also needed for a number of engineering consultancies. Local infrastructure work and an increase in demand for irrigation and hydro power projects have created a need for Civil Engineers and Water Resource Engineers.
• Information Technology: Development skills, primarily in the .Net space, Project Managers, Business Analysts and Architecture candidates are areas of demand given increased project spend and new project commencement.
• Legal: In private practice, solicitors with between three and four years PQE in general commercial law or with specialist energy sector experience are needed. For in-house roles, litigators with experience representing clients in court will have opportunities to develop their skills as legal budgets tighten. Roles in the public sector for lawyers are beginning to open up.
• Office Support: Project candidates, Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants and Administrators are needed as businesses recommence projects put on hold during the downturn. Sales and HR professionals are also needed to help support growth. Demand remains high for Office Managers who can take on a range of duties.
• Property: Client-side Project Managers are sought in response to the announcement of a number of upcoming public sector projects. Valuers are also needed, although there is a shortage of senior candidates in New Zealand.
• Hays Resources & Mining: The renewal of established mining contracts in the South Island in addition to the general shortage of expertise has created demand at the senior level for Project Managers, Mining/Electrical/Maintenance Engineers and Heavy Diesel Mechanics.

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

ENDS

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