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Assessing findings from July to September 2012, the Hays quarterly report suggests employers are on the lookout for high-calibre senior site managers, client side project managers and cost planners, while the public sector is looking for project managers and project officers.
Fee earning candidates such as estimators and business development managers are also in demand.
“Employers want candidates with very specific skills or experience, whether it is in health or roads in the public sector or large-scale multi-storey residential construction in the private sector,” said Hays Construction’s regional director Simon Bristow.
Meanwhile, the report reveals general employer trends are also leaning towards offering career development to their staff and promoting internally.
Employers have been found to offer more flexibility to top candidates, such as working from home, free parking and bonus incentives, as a way to attract and retain staff.
“While many employers have very strict requirements in terms of skills and experience, others are looking at new hires with long-term potential and will consider less experienced candidates who they can develop into a role,” said Bristow.
“The main reason is that they believe this gives the candidate a greater incentive to remain long-term with the organisation.
“For the same reason, many employers will also invest in new graduates and develop their experience.”
Bristow adds employers are also looking for a candidate who can bring value to the business and take on more responsibilities in comparison to the role’s predecessor.
As for candidate trends, it appears skilled and experienced professionals in areas of high demand have become far more selective about the companies and positions they will consider.
“They are taking longer to think about roles and will wait for the perfect role to become available,” he said.
“As a result, employers are enhancing their employee value proposition during the interview process.”
This article first appeared in ILN's sister publication ConstructionIndustryNews.net.
