Recruiting professionals in a candidate short market

Two-thirds of businesses do not have a plan for hiring white collar staff in ‘talent short’ markets, despite rising demand and increasingly competitive hiring conditions, according to the latest Robert Walters whitepaper - 'Recruiting Professionals in a Candidate Short Market'.

A third of respondents to our survey also claim they have simply not been able to find enough candidates to interview, raising questions about the availability of suitably qualified professionals. However part of the problem is that employers are only considering ‘active’ job seekers, when they should be tapping into the wider candidate pool.

“Passive candidates may not be openly looking for a job but that does not mean they are not available. If you feel you lack the connections to tap into this market, you may benefit from working with a partner that offers you access.” says Jason Grundy, Country Manager at Robert Walters.

Strategies adopted to manage candidate shortages

Of the employers that have a plan in place, over 40% said they would consider appointing an interim or contract professional to manage skill shortages, while approximately a quarter said they were developing a succession plan or recruiting from talent pools they hadn't explored in the past.

Promoting job opportunities

While heightened demand has generated double-digit pay rises for some professionals - in contrast with a broader pattern of sluggish wage growth - the whitepaper reveals that many are equally drawn to a new job by factors such as a healthy work-life balance, interesting assignments or training opportunities. 

"Sensible preparation can help employers attract the right professionals," adds Grundy. "Reducing the time from interview to offer, for instance, or communicating your organisation’s excellent career progression opportunities, are just two ways of enhancing your ability to make the right hire." Two-thirds of businesses do not have a plan for hiring white collar staff in ‘talent short’ markets, despite rising demand and increasingly competitive hiring conditions

Dowload the whitepaper or access our full range of Robert Walters whitepapers.