Hays Office Support - April 2008
New Zealand
Hotspots
Office administration, reception and secretary candidates at the entry level of $26,000 through to the $40,000 level are in demand as companies promote from within to retain staff and backfill at the lower level. These candidates are also in short supply; companies seek candidates with the same skills as the person who has been promoted, yet an exact match is rarely available in this skills short market. In addition, these candidates have higher salary expectations, which are not always met by their skill level.
The coming quarter
Employer indications suggest the next quarter will be much more steady than the previous 12 months, with recruitment high on the agenda but activity planned. Internal promotions will ensure activity for entry-level staff is high while temporary requirements will continue for ad hoc needs and special projects.
Salaries
The 2007 Hays Salary Survey has been released and reveals that salaries are expected to remain steady, or increase slightly, in response to the demand for quality candidates. Some candidates in demand seem to feel they can dictate how much they should be paid. However while companies will increase salaries to secure candidates, there is a limit and candidates should be realistic in their expectations.
While candidates' salary expectations have increased, so have employers' expectations as a result. Consequently employers demand candidates with a high level of technical skills to take on increased responsibilities and add greater value to the organisation.
Over the past 12 months, salary movements were highest where there was demand for candidates with specialist backgrounds, such as in information technology and financial services. It is not uncommon for these candidates to receive a job offer within 24 to 48 hours of becoming available. Personal and executive assistants in Auckland also received strong increases. The Hays Salary Survey is a comprehensive guide to salary movements and trends. It can be viewed at www.hays-hps.co.nz/salary
Candidate trends
A recent trend has been a number of Kiwis returning home from overseas for lifestyle reasons, which is helping to protect against the movement of candidates overseas. There has not been a downturn in the number of immigrants seeking opportunities and employers have become more receptive to overseas candidates, particularly if they already have the necessary documentation for work permits. Another noticeable trend is an increase in the number of part-time positions available.
Advice to candidates
Candidates are advised to be prepared. Too many jobseekers enter their job search unprepared. Whether it is at the initial stages of making your application, the interview with the consultant or the interview with the employer, you should do your research on the company, know how your skills and experience fit, and know your own resume.
Ensure you read the advertisement and do not apply for vacancies that are outside your area of qualification or expertise. If the advertisement says extensive experience in a particular field is required and you are a graduate, you waste your time and the recruiter's by applying. Candidates who apply for every vacancy without confirming their experience and qualifications suit demonstrate an unstructured approach to their career path and do not present their skills in the best light possible.
Before you send your resume, check the spelling. You should know your employment history, strengths, weaknesses and what you are looking for. You should also ensure your computer skills are up to date before you start going to agencies. Otherwise this shows a lack of motivation and direction.
Record the organisations you have sent your resume to, the job applied for, the reference number (for easy identification) and the contact. Follow up with a telephone call if you have not heard back within three working days. Know exactly why you are calling and be confident. Recruitment consultants can deal with hundreds of candidates and jobs daily - you need to be able to stand out from the crowd by being professional and prepared.
Dress for the job interview with the consultant. How you present to a consultant is how they will present you to an employer. Be prepared and confident and ready to complete assessments which the potential employer has requested candidates complete.
If you are currently in a position and are offered a role with a new employer, assess what you would do if you were counter offered by your existing company. Statistically, the majority of candidates who accept a counter-offer from their current employer still end up resigning again within six months since their original motivation for looking for a new role still remains.
