An Employment Market of Two Halves
It was interesting to read SEEK's latest press release about the
number of job applicants increasing in the first quarter of
2011. It was also referenced in the latest Bay of Plenty
Times where I was asked to comment:
http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/have-your-say/news/more-people-apply-for-sought-after-jobs/3949719/?ref=nzh
Looking at our applicant numbers for the first quater of 2011,
they have increased as well. Across all of the job vacancies
that we have advertised for in the first quarter of 2011, the
average number of applicants per job has risen to 20.8. This
is an increase of 27% since December but this is not really
unexpected. January is always a big month in terms of
jobseekers re-evaluating their future. December is usually a
quiet month as people focus on Christmas parties and planning their
holidays. During a harsh economic times like we have been
through recently, a lot of people are looking for a change
after sticking at the same job, having to do more work to
cover for staff reductions without any significant pay rise.
They are feeling unappreciated. Especially in the mid to
lower level vacancies. Hence the rise in job
applications.
The other half of the employment market in New Zealand is
completely different though.
We are at the tipping point of an ever changing recruitment
market. Employers have held the power since 2008 but global
demands for skilled staff are now impacting New Zealand.
Industries such as IT and engineering have global shortages
and recruiters are searching globally for talent. For
example, there is a need for over 5,000 IT and telecom staff for
the 2012 London Olympics. Australian recruitment firms are
again coming to New Zealand holding recruitment fairs to try and
lure New Zealanders over there with higher salaries.
Infrastucture projects started by the New Zealand government and
the recent Christchurch earthquake has caused a surge in demand for
skilled staff in these areas. The number of applicants in
these fields have decreased as skill shortages hit. It is
only going to get worse. We are entering the worst
period of global skill shortages that the world has ever
seen. Are you ready for it?