Candidate confidence peaks

Candidate confidence peaks

Stronger employment numbers for the September quarter and a peak in candidate confidence mean employers need to act now if they want to retain their top talent, says recruiting experts Hays.

“Candidate confidence is the highest it has been since the GFC hit,” says Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand.

“As the job market continues to improve and more roles are advertised, candidates are far more confident of their ability to secure a solid role and are entering the market to improve their prospects. We’ve definitely noticed an increase in the number of candidates expressing their belief that they can now gain a career-advancing role.

“Following the announcement of the employment numbers, some economists came out to say there is some uncertainty about the survey. But from where we sit it is a true representation of the market. When you look at the broader picture, the employment market has been gradually improving in recent months and candidates are now looking to move in order to secure a new challenge or career advancement.

“Often they come to us looking for increased levels of responsibility or a change in direction. They want an opportunity to progress their career and recognise that the market can now give them that opportunity.

“But they are looking not only locally, but also at overseas markets. New Zealand is starting to once more lose skilled people overseas, further adding to the local need for skills. In particular, the increased demand for skills in Australia has been one of the driving factors behind our reducing candidate pool, with good candidates attracted to Australia where they can earn more money.

“This means that employers have a growing number of permanent needs generated by departing staff members. To avoid increased turnover, employers need to revisit their retention plans, particularly in areas where skills shortages are emerging and where organisations are placing more emphasis on their attraction strategies,” said Jason.

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

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