What are the top priority areas for recruitment?

'Many industries remain active and we’re seeing an uptick in hiring in certain areas'

BY John Hilton 16 Jul 2020

While the coronavirus changed the job market almost overnight, there is now an increasing number of opportunities available, according to Nick Deligiannis, Managing Director of Hays in Australia and New Zealand.

For those looking for their next opportunity, targeting jobs in these areas is a sensible strategy, added Deligiannis

“When applying for these jobs, it’s important to highlight your relevant skills and experience. If you need to, take some time to upskill,” he said.

“Many industries remain active and we’re seeing an uptick in hiring in certain areas. The IT, life sciences, marketing, accountancy, HR and banking fields in particular are seeing jobs being added in key areas.

“There are a number of ways you can upskill that won’t break the bank, such as following industry leaders on social media, attending webinars, listening to relevant online content like TED Talks and podcasts, joining an industry or professional association and asking for stretch opportunities in your current role.”

Indeed, Hays’s survey results point to an increased focus on data and digital engagement.

Since the coronavirus crisis first began, 49% of employers surveyed said they have increased their adoption of agile working practices, 38% have increased their focus on digital engagement with their customers, 35% have invested in infrastructure or applications to facilitate remote working and 21% have increased their use of data to analyse business performance.

The survey also identified the soft skills employers are prioritising right now when they recruit. Topping the list is communication (45%), followed by adaptability (40%) and team work (39%).

Over one third (35 per cent) of employers say they are currently hiring, according to a survey by recruiting experts Hays.

Conducted in June 2020, the survey of over 1,100 employers revealed that just 19% currently have a recruitment freeze in place.

Those who are hiring said the top three priority positions in key areas at this point in time are:

IT: Infrastructure, software developers and engineers and cloud architects and engineers;
Life sciences: Clinical research, sales and project management;
Marketing & digital: Online/digital content writers, MarTech and internal and change communications experts;
Accountancy & finance: Financial accounting/reporting, budgeting and data analytics;
Human resources: Change management, organisational development and employee relations;
Banking: Operations, risk analysts and managers and sales.

Looking ahead, the top three priority areas for recruitment over the next 12 months are:

IT: Infrastructure, helpdesk and support professionals and cyber and data security and GRC;
Life sciences: IT and technology professionals, digital marketing experts and clinical research;
Marketing & digital: Online/digital content writers, internal and change communications experts and social media professionals;
Accountancy & finance: Cash collection, data analysis and budgeting;
Human resources: Change management, learning & development and employee relations;
Banking: Credit assessment and Q&A, risk analysts and managers and fraud, financial crime and AML analysts.