On first impressions the current employment market may not seem the easiest environment in which to advance your career, however with a strategic approach your career can flourish, advises specialist recruiter Hays.
”Given the proliferation of doom and gloom news candidates could be forgiven for thinking any hope of career advancement is lost, but this simply isn’t the case,” says Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand.
“This time last year job seekers were in the driver’s seat of a skills-short market; now talk of the skills shortage has been replaced by talk of tougher economic times. But there are plenty of businesses not only surviving but thriving in the current environment, and while the market may have cooled, it still has plenty of life, so don’t let your career suffer,” he says.
Hays advise candidates to focus on a more strategic approach to their career and suggest you:
Look towards the long-term:
““Job security has inevitably come to the fore of candidates’ minds and this focus on the long-term is a good development. Rather than focusing on short-term monetary gains through a string of successive employers, we’ve always advised candidates to carefully consider their choice of employer and work with companies in reputable industries where the experience will aid your long-term career goals and where long-term tenure can be achieved – this is the time to look towards future career stability rather than a short-term fix.”
Add value:
““With businesses understandably looking at process and cost improvements, it follows that their ideal candidate can offer strategic value. So now is the time to build your abilities in this area. For example, if you work within construction then business development or bid experience would be valuable, while warehousing candidates could seek exposure to lean process implementation.”
Well-rounded skills:
““In some sectors where businesses are becoming leaner, ‘all-rounders’ are finding themselves in high demand. For example, experienced design engineers with additional skills, such as drafting, and project/site supervision, are required. So broadening your skill base is a positive move to make.”
Flexibility:
““It follows that with a broadened skills base in demand, and with employers having more choice, you should demonstrate your flexibility to non-core elements of a role. You may also surprise yourself and find you enjoy duties outside your core function.”
It’s not just about the money:
“Flexibility in terms of salary is also important. Higher candidate availability has levelled salaries and candidates should adopt more realistic expectations rather than approaching salary discussions with a hard-line approach. While candidates with the best skills may still secure higher rates of pay, overall we expect lifestyle benefits such as flexible working hours or product discounts to be offered in place of salary increases.”
Consider Contracting:
““Temporary and contract recruitment is on the rise in many sectors, for example human resources and accountancy. The advantage for employers is the ability to overcome workload peaks until budgets are reassessed while simultaneously maintaining a degree of flexibility for the future. For candidates, the advantages include a broader depth of opportunities, experience and skills development.”
Public sector:
““The time is also ripe for considering public and not-for-profit sector opportunities. Salaries within the public sector have remained consistent while the stability of the public and not-for-profit sectors is attractive.”
Be patient:
““The hiring process has lengthened, with employers enjoying the luxury of increased candidate choice. Consequently expect a longer hiring timeframe and, importantly, be patient.”
Determination:
““Given that employers have more choice, they have become more specific in their ideal candidate. So while it may take a little longer to receive a job offer, it will come from a company for which you are the absolute best fit, which is good news for both employer and employee. To get to that point though, determination and persistence in relation to your job search will pay off.”
Maintain confidence:
““Above all, candidates should maintain their confidence. Those that put their job searches on hold to see what comes could miss out on career growth. The top candidates today are those who are sure of their ability to make a difference and approach an interview with a positive and confident attitude.”
For more advice on job hunting or to search live jobs, visit www.hays.com.nz
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For further information, please contact Lucy Sharp, Marketing Manager of Hays Australia and New Zealand, on 02 8226 9885 or lucy.sharp@hays.com.au
