2010 Hiring Trends

I am getting extremely excited reading the various prognoses for the netx couple of years when it comes to hiring. As I graduate in May 2011, there are all indications at the moment that it´s going to be a pretty hot market out there, and even though it is not clearly stated in the companies´ preferences, the historical evidence proves that the demand for MBAs increases after large (cataclysmic) changes in the economy and society in general. This happens mainly because while those changes were happening, the smart students were crunching numbers and preparing case presentations, analyzing what is happening around them. Thus, they are perceived to be better prepared for the new market and conditions.

*********

Employers share their plans for rest of 2010

By anthony balderrama on Jul 1, 2010 in Featured, Job Search, Job Surveys

Today marks the midpoint of 2010. At the risk of sounding old, can you believe we’ve already gone through half of the year? I feel as though we were just talking about what to expect inthe first andsecond quarters of this year. Yet, here we are looking at the second half of 2010  in the newly released Job Forecast from CareerBuilder and USA Today.

As you might expect, employers are cautiously optimistic when it comes to hiring. Between July and December, 41 percent of surveyed hiring managers plane to hire new employees. Approximately 20 percent of hiring managers plan to hire full-time, permanent employees in the third quarter, which is similar to figures in both the first and second quarter of this year.

What does this mean? Simply, don’t expect a hiring sea change in the next three months. Employers have held a consistent approach to hiring this year and plan to continue. Although everyone (employers and job seekers alike) would like to see a boom in new workers, take heart that companies aren’t looking just to boost their payroll momentarily and then have to downsize — they’re looking to fill positions for the long haul.

However, for those of you looking for work, here are the sectors where employers plan to begin their hiring. Note that the focus is on positions that bring in revenue for the company:

• Customer service (25 percent of hiring managers)
• Sales (22 percent)
• IT (18 percent)
• Administrative (13 percent)
• Business development (10 percent)
• Accounting/Finance (10 percent)

What to expect for the rest of 2010:

1. Emerging jobs: Much of the year’s hiring will be in positions that either didn’t exist a few years ago or weren’t in high demand until recently. According to the survey, 24 percent of hiring managers will recruit for jobs in social media, green energy, cyber security, global relations and health-care reform.

2. Employees jumping ship: Some HR professionals worry that an improving economy could mean their top performers will leave the company in pursuit of another job. Fifty-six percent fear their top talent will leave, and the survey finds that 29 percent of workers do plan to change jobs when the economy is in better shape.

3. Skilled labor is still hard to find: Although the job market has no shortage of applicants, it does have a shortage of qualified workers, according to employers. Twenty-two percent of employers report that they are having difficulty filling positions with qualified candidates. IT, customer service and communications are suffering from a shortage of qualified workers, say hiring managers.

Looking ahead at Q3:
Most job seekers want to know three things: Is anyone hiring? Where are they located? How much will they pay?

Is anyone hiring?

Yes! Although most employers don’t plan to hire new employees, approximately one-fifth are.

• 21 percent of employers will add full-time, permanent headcount.
• 8 percent plan to downsize.
• 65 percent don’t anticipate a change in headcount.

Where are they hiring?Hiring seems to be occurring at the same pace throughout the country.

• 22 percent of Western employers intend to add full-time, permanent workers.
• 21 percent of Northeastern and Midwestern employees say the same.
• 20 percent of Southern employers plan have the same plan.

How much are they paying?
While many employers don’t foresee any salary raises or cuts, some do. However, most employers who will be giving raises expect them to be on the moderate side.

• 42 percent of employers do not plan any change in salary levels.
• 31 percent expect to see an increase of 1 to 3 percent.
• 12 percent plan increases between 4 and 10 percent.
• 1 percent anticipate an increase of 11 percent or more.

What do workers think?The recession has caused many workers to reevaluate their situations, from expenses to education to employment. The economic troubles of the past two years have not been kind to some companies, as 25 percent of workers admit to having a worse opinion of their employers as a result of the Great Recession. On the other hand, 14 percent have a better opinion and 61 percent have unchanged views.

Why do workers want to leave?As mentioned above, 25 percent of workers plan to leave their organizations in the next 12 months. Why?

• 30 percent of workers blame the recession. They feel overworked, the climate has changed, and resentment lingers from layoffs.
• 33 percent of workers believe they are overqualified for their positions.
• 23 percent of workers are not interested in their work.

Of course, you might not be surprised to learn that the number one reason employees would stick around is an increase in salary. If that’s not an option, then employee recognition will do.

You can read more in the complete forecast here. Do you agree with what employers say or do you see a different future in the coming months? Let us know.