Changes to employer recruitment practices

Despite the demand for skills many companies remain reluctant to compromise...

  Despite the demand for skills many companies remain reluctant to compromise on staff quality, preferring to factor in staff shortages or utilise the existing workforce by offering significant overtime hours. However it is worth noting that despite the shortage of skills, a candidate in demand still needs to be the right person for the right job.Increasing numbers of employers are open to recruiting candidates from overseas. While cost, visa approval time delays, health and safety practices and language requirements need considering, Hays Resources & Mining have completed several overseas recruitment campaigns which mitigates these risks. Employers that recruit internationally themselves have also said their success rates have improved through rigorous vetting procedures.In a market with increasing demand, New Zealand companies are promoting the potential lifestyle benefits to attract candidates. Higher holiday entitlements and non-salary remuneration benefits have become common. Targeting professionals with young families looking for work/life balance has proven to be a successful method to secure employees in both the major cities and rural locations.

Advice to candidates

Candidates should be aware of their initial motivations for applying for a new job. Counter offers are commonplace and candidates should be prepared to face a counter offer and remember the reason they sought a new role to begin with. Regional variations present candidates with increasing choices that are not necessarily fuelled by salary package alone. Both the employer and the potential employees should be flexible regarding non-traditional benefits, while promoting the interesting projects that are available.