Summer '09
Tue, 12/08/2009 - 20:05 — The Johnson Group
Welcome
We think the market for candidates has turned a corner. Work has been picking up for several months, and we now have a real sense that the job market is improving.
Many of our clients are under pressure because they have more work coming in, and they’re realising that skilled candidates are never easy to find.
To take advantage of the upturn, we’re advising candidates to be clear on the skills, ability and experience they have to offer employers. It’s also important to know where you most want to use your talents, so you can find the job that’s right for you.
Don’t under-estimate how many of our clients recruit over Christmas. We filled 20 key roles for 11 public sector agencies over Christmas 2008, so keep an eye on our new jobs listings.
We’re feeling very positive about the growing sense of confidence in the jobs market, and have used the past few months to consolidate and strengthen our recruitment services. Now we’re celebrating our commitment to the public sector by adopting a Wellington theme for our office.
We’ll be displaying works by Wellington artists and photographers, so let us know if there’s someone whose work you think should be on our walls. And, of course, give us a call to discuss how you can take advantage of the increasing demand for great candidates.
Leigh and Campbell
Brighter Outlook for the Economy
New Zealand’s unemployment rate is the 10th lowest of the 30 OECD nations, according to the Department of Labour’s latest household labour force survey. Although employment rose to a nine-year high of 6.5% in September, this is well below the OECD average of 8.6% and the department says the outlook for the economy has improved markedly.
Campbell says candidates can tap into the more buoyant job market by keeping informed, doing their homework about potential employers, and focusing on the roles they’re passionate about.
For more, go to www.dol.govt.nz
Johnson Group Wins EEO Award
We’re delighted to announce that our work with the unique Skilled Migrant Programme has been recognised by the Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Trust.
The Johnson Group and our partners Victoria University and the Rotary Club of Wellington were highly commended in the trust’s Tomorrow’s Workforce Award.
We’ve decided to extend our role with the programme by marketing graduates when they’re ready to join the workforce. If you know an employer who might be interested in hiring one of the programme’s recent graduates, please contact Pia Penaranda at pia@thejohnsongroup.co.nz for more information.
For more on the EEO Awards, go to www.eeotrust.org.nz
Growing Confidence in Jobs Outlook
Workers are feeling more positive about their jobs, according to the Westpac McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index.
The confidence index lifted 6.9 points between the June and September quarters, which is the second biggest quarterly gain since the survey began in June 2004. As well as being more optimistic about their job prospects, 34% of workers expected to be earning more next year.
More Demand for Contractors
After a slow year, the market for contractors is showing definite signs of improvement.
We’ve more than doubled our contracting revenue over the past two months. There’s still a skills shortage, and we think the market for contractors will continue to improve to meet demand. If you’re a contractor and would like an update on the market, or would like to register with us, send us your updated CV and we’ll arrange to catch-up.
Public Sector Wage Growth
Wages are growing faster in the public sector than in the private sector, says the Department of Statistics’ latest quarterly employment survey.
The survey found that salary and wage rates for the private sector increased 2% in the year to the September quarter, and 0.4% in the September quarter. Public sector rates rose 2.9% in the year to the September quarter, and 1.1% in the September quarter.
However, a survey by remuneration consultant Strategic Pay dispelled some of the myths about top public sector pay rates. Chief executives in the largest public sector organisations earned an average of $404,000, but their counterparts in the private sector were on salary packages worth over $1 million.
For more, go to www.stats.govt.nz
Social Networking Boosts Recruitment
Social networking sites have become increasingly important tools for candidates in the recession.
At the Johnson Group, social networking is now an integral part of our marketing. LinkedIn and Twitter are particularly popular, and we’ve been surprised at how successful our blogging has been.
“We’ve been getting lots of people twittering to say thing like, ‘Just left The Johnson Group. Had a great meeting,’” says Campbell. “Networking sites are really taking off as recruitment tools.”
Hot Tips for Graduates
University careers advisers are reporting that the number of graduate jobs on offer has fallen by a half in a year. We’re aware how frustrating this must be, and have two hot tips for graduates.
“The first is not to give up on your dream,” says Campbell. “Don’t lose sight of how you want to make your contribution. If you want to work in environmental policy, don’t give up and get a job in a bank.”
The second tip is to look for internships. They’re a great way of getting a foot in the door of your chosen workplace, and of making valuable contacts.
Job Doctor
“I was made redundant when my department was restructured. When I’m talking to potential new employers, how should I explain the gap in my CV?”
Ron, Northland
It’s not a good idea to say on your CV that your previous job ran “up to present” if it finished three months ago. Campbell suggests addressing the issue up front.
“Being made redundant is a reality of the current market. You don’t need to hide it, or be ashamed of it. Most of all, don’t let it affect your confidence,” says Campbell.
“What is important is that you’re able to articulate what happened, have a good work history, and – if possible – can give your previous manager as a referee. If you do that, being made redundant won’t be any issue.”
And Finally
In response to demand, The Johnson Group is now expanding its services into new areas of the public sector. As Wellington’s only public sector recruitment agency, we’re in an ideal position to extend our proven track record of providing high quality recruitment services to a wider audience.
We recruit all professional roles in the following areas:
- Policy (strategic/operational, and economic analysis)
- Research and evaluation
- Planning and reporting
- Legal
- Human resources
- Programme/project management, technical and operations
- Communications
- Records and information
We also recruit management roles in corporate services and public sector finance.
If you have friends, colleagues or family members who work in these areas and might be considering a change, we’d love to hear from them. And if you’d like to discuss your next career move, please contact us or 04 473 6699 or info@the johnsongroup.co.nz.
Wishing you all the best for the festive season!
Merry Christmas,
Leigh and Campbell