Industry job ads at record levels: eJobs

Advertised jobs for planners and paraplanners increased to record levels in the three months to April 30, even while accompanied by a corresponding drop in skilled applications, according to eJobs Recruitment Specialists.

Statistics released by the recruiter reveal that in April alone industry job ads increased by 70 per cent (from 363 to 616 industry roles) on the same month in 2006, revealing the highest demand yet for industry staff.

eJobs’ managing director Trevor Punnett said demand continued to be strong in all geographic areas and across all industry roles, which is “clearly adding to the supply squeeze, making good candidates even harder to find” (than in the previous quarter).

At the same time, industry is “receiving fewer applications from experienced candidates (to April 30) and this decreases exponentially the more senior the role”, he said.

However, at the “bottom-end (for entry-level roles) we are being besieged with candidates whom, whilst often qualified, have only marginal communication skills.”

This demand/supply situation has “yet to play out”, which Punnett said is resulting in employers “unfortunately having to change their expectations and consider trainees for most roles”.

“Again, there are no guarantees to holding on to such staff as they progress as there are always employers with deeper pockets - which also applies to more expensive/qualified candidates.”