News Story

COMMITMENT COUNTS

Specialist recruitment company Hays recently released its second Quarterly Report for 2009. In the current market, jobseekers are advised they will have success as long as they remain committed to the roles they are applying for.

“When markets are volatile, candidates having difficulty obtaining a role in their sector or at their level of experience often gravitate towards roles they consider easier to secure,” says Emma Charnock, Regional Director of Hays Hong Kong and China.

Consequently, there is a significant increase in competition as candidates are now applying for positions at a lower level than their recent experience. “Employers are however just as reluctant to accept an over-qualified candidate as they are an under-qualified candidate. To the employer, a senior candidate in an intermediate role is a risk because they are thought to be using the role as a short-term solution until a position at their level becomes available.

“For similar reasons, employers will question the motives and commitment of someone who hasn’t worked in a particular industry for 10 years but suddenly seeks a return.”

Jobseekers who stay true to themselves and commit to their chosen career path will ultimately succeed in this candidate-rich market.

The Hays Quarterly Report also identifies the candidates in most demand in today’s market:

  • Accountancy & Finance: PRC accounting and SOX compliance experience, knowledge of international accounting principles (IFRS) or GAAP for US companies
  • Banking: relationship managers within the corporate sector, branch and sub-branch managers within retail, wealth management, compliance, M&A and corporate strategy
  • Construction & Property: Project managers within real estate development
  • Human Resources: Business leaders with P&L experience
  • Legal: Litigation, restructuring, insolvency and regulatory lawyers, mid to senior level lawyers with experience in financial services, insurance, funds, private wealth management, regulatory or compliance work
  • Manufacturing & Operations: HSE engineers and managers
  • Sales & Marketing: Business development and B2B sales managers



Further details of these hotspots, in addition to recruitment activity, candidate trends and salary movements by sector, are contained in the Hays Quarterly Report, available at www.hays.cn/forecast.

- Ends -

For further information, please contact Emma Charnock, Regional Director of Hays Hong Kong and China on +852 2230 7910 or emma.charnock@hays.com.hk.

Back to News