Analysts, payroll, site managers, data analysts, engineers in demand

In-demand jobs this year will include financial analysts, payroll staff, site managers, data analysts and engineers.

Recruitment specialist Hays is tipping that the most in-demand jobs for 2017 will be financial analysts, payroll staff, site managers, data analysts, engineers and sales administrators.

But Hays Australia and New Zealand managing director Nick Deligiannis says jobs will not come easy this year, and workers will have to go above and beyond to secure the top roles.

“In compiling our list of skills in demand, one common trend was employers’ requests for candidates who can add extra value,” Deligiannis says.

“That could be through previous experience in a related discipline, prior process improvements or efficiency gains, additional tickets or qualifications or advanced digital or systems skills, all of which allow a candidate to perform supplementary duties. Any candidate who offers additional value stands out.”

He says infrastructure projects are driving the construction, engineering and property markets, the professional services sector is active, and there will be greater focus on cyber security and big data in the information and technology industry.

Deligiannis says the rapid rise in robotics and automation will mean job opportunities in the industrial robotics and service sectors and the NDIS will create need for frontline case managers. Qualified childcare staff are also in short supply in education.

RISING RECRUITER

Australia has ranked second-highest in the Asia-Pacific on an international scale of recruitment performance, trailing Singapore but leapfrogging New Zealand.

The Global Talent Competitiveness Index, published by business school INSEAD with recruitment firm Adecco, found Australia jumped from 13th internationally to sixth last year, based on the country’s ability to develop, attract, retain and enable talent.

Switzerland maintained its place at the top, followed by Singapore and Britain.

Australia was ranked second worldwide for its tolerance to immigrants, eighth for high external openness and fifth for strong global knowledge skills.

Sydney topped the Asia-Pacific cities table for global talent attraction.

Adecco Australia chief executive Ger Doyle says talent mobility has always been a crucial tool for countries to address skills shortages.

“While Australia is currently the second most attractive talent hub in APAC, we can’t rest on our laurels — competition will intensify as changing employment requirements lead to more open borders and greater labour mobility in this part of the world,” Doyle says.

LEAVE NICELY

The Australian Human Resources Institute says many people will return from their Christmas and New Year break reassessing their careers and considering resigning from their present job in coming weeks.

A study by Crunch Accounting shows January 31 is the most popular day to give notice, but AHRI says people should avoid common pitfalls when resigning, such as burning bridges and telling the world via social media before giving notice.

With many people willing to share their thoughts and feelings on social media, AHRI warns people to avoid writing negative comments about their workplace because it could harm a future career and could mean leaving on a sour note.

Other advice includes not leaving it until the last minute to tell a manager that you are leaving, because opening a conversation about dissatisfaction could instead lead to a more positive outcome such as better communication, improved working conditions and an increase in salary — or even changing your mind.