Hays Office Support - April 2008

Public Sector

Hotspots

Executive assistants with government experience and advanced computer skills remain in high demand.

Organisations seek administration candidates with a broad base of skills to handle a range of duties and who are willing to be flexible in the duties undertaken. This means that overseas travellers are attractive as they possess all-round skills and are much more prepared to be flexible in the tasks undertaken.

Salary expectations, an increase in counter-offers and the opportunity to move into different positions is fuelling demand. For administrators, retention is low and as candidates realise their value in the market they demand higher levels and salaries.

The coming quarter

The new Rudd Government is making cost efficiencies and with many state governments merging, restructuring or moving towards shared services, the market for support staff is becoming volatile.

As there is a shortage of skilled executive assistants and administrators, any candidates made redundant through these changes are likely to be re-employed very quickly.

Salaries

Salaries will remain at current levels for many support roles this quarter, the exception being executive assistants for whom salaries are increasing in order to attract.

Candidate trends

There has been an increase in the number of candidates seeking public sector roles, but many do not have the relevant experience.

In many states there are a lot of travellers looking for work but there is a shortage of Australian residents or citizens, which is a requirement for many public sector roles.

The temporary to permanent option often used by employers has taken many of the prime temporary candidates out of the market.