Employer confidence returning in Singapore | Singapore Jobs
While employers are still cautious about recruitment, employer confidence is slowly returning to the market says the latest Hays Quarterly Report.
According to Chris Mead, general manager of Hays Singapore, while pockets of demand still existed in 2009, he sees more employers turning their focus on preparing for the business upturn now.
“Economists have predicted that Singapore is likely to see a return to positive year-on-year growth numbers this quarter. So it seems the local economy is on track for solid vacancy activity,” Mead adds.
“Already current job market activity would seem to indicate that we are past the worst of the recession.”
In the latest Hays Quarterly Report, it found that some of the skill sets employers are looking for includes registered architects, IT project managers and marketing communication professionals.
Middle management HR practitioners are also sought after by employers, especially process re-engineering and change managers who have experience in merges and process reform projects.
Other skills in demand are:
Construction & Property: With government-funded MRT and road projects, this has lead to an increase in the demand for tunnel and geotechnical engineers. Building maintenance, expansion plans and contract renewals have created demand for facilities Managers.
Finance Technology: Demand is rising for development and application support at the analyst and AVP level, as companies are now looking for senior C++ and Java-based candidates with derivatives knowledge. Companies are also looking for people with strength in database, scripting and platform skills around the securities and derivatives markets.
Accountancy & Finance: Internal audit and risk/compliance candidates are needed to improve controls. Regulatory reporting roles in banks are also increasing and cost control is a hotspot high on the corporate agenda.
Sales & Marketing: Singapore’s economy is now creating a consistent demand for experienced sales professionals. Hays adds that experienced marketing communication professionals are also in demand.
Sources and references: Sandbox Advisors, Hays, HRO
