A jobs market update from Kinetic Recruitment
These days businesses are still celebrating wins, the wins are just a bit smaller than we are used to and each one is a triumph in itself.
Although things are getting better slowly, we know that it is going to be a slow climb back to the top. I think we have reached the stage where we are all sick of wallowing and are ready to face into the upwards journey.
Most companies we deal with seem to have come to the end of changing staffing levels within their businesses and as work picks up slightly, many of them are seeing that they cut things a little too close for comfort.
Work loads are being balanced precariously among over stretched employees – however we are all in this together and everyone we have spoken to is more than happy to tale on a bit more responsibility, to a point.
As immediate, short term assistance is sought to cover extra workload, we have seen temp assignments increase quickly and contracting is still a popular option for those unsure of what the future holds. We can see that things are getting better, bouncing around a bit maybe, but we aren't ready to bank on a consistent climb up just yet.
As always, we are ready and waiting for clients who come back to us now, no longer keen to brave the masses desperately vying for their roles.
There is no doubt about the fact that recruitment, even in a market flush with candidates, is still hard work.
Throughout the workshops we have been running weekly for candidates, we have noticed that there has been a shift in the success rate of good quality job applicants.
We would like to attribute that solely to the effectiveness of the service we are providing but we must acknowledge the slow change in the market also – we can't really take the credit for that although to get feedback from the horse's mouth is undoubtedly helpful in a difficult market.
A client asked me recently if I thought we had hit the bottom of this recession. To be honest, who can tell? It seems that although things are undoubtedly looking up, we are likely to bounce around over the next few months with some wins and some setbacks.
I really do believe that by the end of 2009 we will be delighted that the year is over and we will be steadily climbing out of the recession.
Things vary between cities of course – having an office in Auckland and Wellington it is obvious to me that Auckland has been hit harder.
Government offers some form of stability in the Capital, even if they too are cutting back.
Auckland, having a higher percentage of global enterprises and private sector is more vulnerable to fluctuations overseas. Examining the statistics it is clear to see that Auckland has higher highs and lower lows, Wellington experiences less extremes.
I get the feeling that people genuinely want to make this economic environment better. We're all ready to do the hard yards and work together to ensure stronger and better companies as well as a stable economy for our futures.
Personally I have to tell myself that this is just a "blip" in the radar (major blip maybe) but we will all get through it – we just have to keep looking forward and take every opportunity to excel.
* Kate Ross is director of Kinetic Recruitment as well as upcoming part time job website The Outfit and the Return2work programme, in partnership with Sarah Paykel.
