Hays Construction - January 2010
Hotspots
We expect the construction industry to continue to build momentum following Chinese New Year as more infrastructure projects come on line. This will create high demand for experienced engineers and construction professionals with exposure to rail transport and infrastructure-related projects.
Professional candidates across the board, from architects to engineers, will be in high demand. Given the increase in large infrastructure projects and high-end mixed-use developments in the Asia region, candidates with both Chinese and English language skills and relevant Asian experience will be extremely desirable to both international and local companies. This is positive news for the many Hong Kong and Chinese nationals who are now looking to return home from North America, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Employer trends
While salaries will remain fairly static, there have been some areas that have dipped slightly due to 2009 market conditions. The exception is salaries within civil and structural construction, which are set to rise. As a number of large infrastructure projects peak towards the middle to end of 2010, demand will again outweigh supply.
Employers look for stability and commitment in candidates. They are always very sceptical and wary of candidates who jump from job to job. Employers will question such a candidate's commitment and wonder if they can truly invest in their career and future.
