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By Faron Le Prevost, senior manager at AP Personnel
THE employment market in Jersey has seen a significant shift over the past few years, particularly since the UK left the European Union.
Jersey has become a location of choice for ultra-highnet-worth investors. This has created an increasing number of job vacancies, giving candidates more opportunities to enhance their careers than ever before. The buoyant job market has also led to a more competitive playing field, with employers struggling to fill positions in a timely manner. As a result, the hiring process to find suitable staff is taking longer, which is causing frustration for both candidates and HR professionals and, more importantly, for line managers looking for a full complement of staff.
Previously, the time from application to employment was around two weeks, but now it is taking closer to two months. This extended timeline is down to several factors. Firstly, there is an increase in the number of job vacancies, which means more candidates to sort through. Secondly, the hiring process has become more rigorous, with employers taking the time to ensure they are hiring the right person for the job. Finally, the pandemic has created additional challenges, such as the need for virtual interviews and remote onboarding.
While it may be frustrating, it is important to remember that this is an employees’ market. Candidates have more leverage and are looking for companies that offer a positive culture fit, career progression, work-life balance and competitive salary packages. Employers are aware of this shift and are having to adjust their hiring practices accordingly.
At AP Personnel we have noticed that a number of clients are shortening the hiring process to one, or a maximum of two, interviews before making formal offers to our candidates. HR managers are ensuring that the hiring line managers from their organisation who are responsible for selecting our candidates’ CVs for interview are prioritising this important job. This is to ensure that current employees, who are at times working long hours to cover for staff shortages, see that the company is being proactive in finding new recruits to help alleviate the stress that people are under.
A number of our candidates strongly specify when they register with us that the reason they are looking for a new job is because of the pressure of work and stress they are under and that they cannot cope with the long working hours they are being expected to do. Our clients who are adopting this new concept of quickening the hiring process are the winners in terms of retaining their quality staff and ensuring that the company has happy employees.
Despite the challenges in the current job market, there are still areas that are in high demand. Funds, trusts, private equity, fiduciary and company secretarial roles continue to be in high demand, with companies actively seeking candidates with the relevant skills and experience. This means that candidates with these skill sets have a strong advantage in finding alternative employment and obtaining the right work/lifestyle balance in the current job market.
If you are looking for recruitment services in the finance or commercial sectors or simply want to discuss your career options, our consultants will be able to help. Speak to us today. For further details, contact us on 01534 715757 or email jersey@ap-personnel.com. You can also register your CV online by visiting our website at ap-personnel.com.
