Key sector employers seeking talent

The employment market will return to a skilled candidate shortage this year as the uncertainty fuelled by the global downturn is gradually lifted, according to a Southport recruitment agency.

People First Solutions co-founder and director Alina Oldfield, is surprised by those sectors that are recovering the fastest.

“Much of our workload has come from industries believed to be most affected by the GFC such as financial planning, property development and retail,” says Oldfield.

“It seems the fear is lifting in these areas and has resulted in earlier than expected growth. Particularly we have seen an increase in the number of opportunities in the mid-level commercial accounting based roles i.e. bookkeeping, finance officers etc. It seems to be the more senior sector that is taking a little longer to recover.”

While the downturn shifted the market dynamic to the employer’s favour and slowed recruitment, Oldfield says competitive candidates will always find employment.

“In every industry, quality and experienced staff are always highly valued and savvy businesses are usually open to unplanned expansion in their teams for a standout candidate,” she says.

“There has been a recent increase in the number of opportunities and we predict that will continue to steadily grow.”

Oldfield and business partner Renae Gibbs established People First Solutions in the middle of the downturn in February 2009, realising that it could be to their ‘benefit or detriment’.

After launching the Shortlisting Solution strategy last May, the agency recorded three times the previous half yearly turnover.

“People First Solutions had originally forecast December to be a slower month especially before the lead up to Christmas; we were very surprised that it turned out to be our biggest month for the second half of 2009,” says Oldfield.

“Most businesses do not have the time or resources to dedicate to the process to ensure a successful outcome. By reducing add-ons that many of our clients didn’t really use or need, we were able to construct a service that takes away the frustrating and time consuming elements of the recruitment process at a realistic cost that delivers value for money.”