Hays Office Support - July 2008

Public Sector

Hotspots

Executive assistants remain the area of highest demand for the public sector's office support market. Most employers seek candidates with government experience and advanced computer skills, while minute taking and experience compiling board reports/supporting committees are also sought. However there is a general shortage of candidates as many EA's have been seconded into other areas.

General administration candidates are also in demand. Employers want candidates who are willing and able to perform a broad range of functions and be flexible. This means that travellers are popular candidates as they typically possess solid all-round skills and realistic salary expectations.

Receptionists and administrators with between six and 12 months experience are also sought following a raft of internal promotions at the end of the financial year.

The coming quarter

This coming quarter will be a buoyant one for jobseekers as restructures, growth and general movement following the end of the financial year create solid opportunities.

A continuing shortage of appropriately skilled and experienced administrative candidates has seen an increase in the use of temporary and contract staff and we expect this to continue through to the end of the year.

Salaries

Salaries have steadily increased across the board, with employers offering higher rates and thus driving up averages - and candidate expectations.

Candidate trends

There has been a general decrease in the number of senior level/experienced executive assistants and administration managers, while candidate levels for administration assistants, receptionists and administration officers remain steady.

Counter offers are increasing, while unrealistic salary expectations are becoming more common as candidates are increasingly aware of the demand for their skills.

The change of Federal Government saw more skilled executive assistants and administrators coming back onto the market, although they have been quickly absorbed into other roles.

Unprecedented demand exists for security-cleared candidates with government experience. In some cases, those candidates with clearances are becoming very demanding about the type of role and salary they will consider since they have so many options.