News Story

COMMITMENT COUNTS

Specialist recruitment company Hays recently released its second Quarterly Report for 2009. In the current market, jobseekers are advised they will have success as long as they remain committed to the roles they are applying for.

“When markets are volatile, candidates having difficulty obtaining a role in their sector or at their level of experience often gravitate towards roles they consider easier to secure,” says Chris Mead, Managing Director of Hays in Singapore.

“Consequently, there is a significant increase in competition as candidates are now applying for positions at a lower level than their recent experience.

“Employers are however just as reluctant to accept an over-qualified candidate as they are an under-qualified candidate. To the employer, a senior candidate in an intermediate role is a risk because they are thought to be using the role as a short-term solution until a position at their level becomes available.

“For similar reasons, employers will question the motives and commitment of someone who hasn’t worked in a particular industry for 10 years but suddenly seeks a return.”

“Jobseekers who stay true to themselves and commit to their chosen career path will ultimately succeed in this candidate-rich market.

The Hays Quarterly Report also identifies the candidates in most demand in today’s market:

  • Accountancy & Finance: project and cost accountants, internal auditors, finance managers and controllers
  • Banking: risk, compliance, controls and audit
  • Construction & Property: local candidates with experience on large-scale infrastructure projects, senior level facilities managers, civil and structural engineers
  • Information Technology: networking, IP protocols, software and system process re-engineering, infrastructure and applications, enterprise architecture
  • Legal: insolvency, restructuring, and regulatory experience, internal legal counsel, four to six years PQE
  • Oil & Gas: HSE, structural, process and specialist mechanical engineers, technical sales professionals and technical trainers



Further details of these hotspots, in addition to recruitment activity, candidate trends and salary movements by sector, are contained in the Hays Quarterly Report, available at www.hays.com.sg/forecast.

- Ends -

For further information, please contact Chris Mead, Managing Director of specialist recruitment agency Hays in Singapore on +65 6223 4535 or email chris.mead@hays.com.sg.

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