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Office Support Staff In Demand Now More Than Ever

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In the aftermath of the recent financial crisis, the employment landscape has undergone significant changes, shaping the way companies approach recruitment and employees' expectations. As we step into 2023, the job market continues to recover, with companies cautiously offering temporary roles and embracing flexibility. Temporary work in the public sector has seen significant increases where many new roles are project related. The market's recovery has instilled greater confidence in employers, leading to more permanent positions in the pipeline. However, the demand for temporary staff remains strong, providing candidates with valuable opportunities to showcase their skills and secure permanent positions in the future.

As the job market gains momentum, employees are gaining more leverage, leading to increased demands for a flexible work environment. Part-time arrangements and remote work options have become immensely popular, with companies tapping into the talent pool of older workers and stay-at-home parents. Advancements in technology have made it possible for companies to support remote work effectively, unleashing the potential of highly skilled individuals who were previously unable to participate actively in the workforce.

From Sigmar’s perspective, screening candidates for technical and cultural fit is key, before sending candidates to our clients. Efficient screening processes ensure that candidates are prepared and ready to move as quickly as employers require, ensuring they secure top talent. While we may not have returned to the days of abundant job opportunities, the market has come a long way from the recession of 2010. Candidates, especially temporary ones, are in high demand and spend minimal time on the market. Companies need to adapt their recruitment strategies to attract and retain the best talent available

With the continued improvement of the job market, salaries have seen a noticeable increase, particularly in the latter part of the previous year.As competition for skilled candidates intensifies, companies have begun offering attractive benefit packages to secure talent. While salary remains a significant factor, candidates' decision-making process now extends beyond monetary considerations. Employers must outline clear career progression plans during interviews, making the hiring process a collaborative effort between employer and employee. Counter offers have also become more prevalent, necessitating a deeper understanding of candidates' motivations to move. Candidates looking for their first step on the career ladder can be very flexible but will still have expectations of a great work environment and culture. Legislation for temporary workers is at the forefront so matching salaries to that of their permanent counterparts is essential.

For candidates when looking for an office role researching the company where you are trying to get a new job is key. While there is a huge pool for companies to hire great candidates from, there is still an expectation that all interviewees will have done significant research prior to their interview. Not knowing adequate information about your potential future employer, is a disappointing reason to not get a job role. Companies invest a lot of time and money on their websites, LinkedIn pages, PR etc. It is expected that you will have researched the company and be able to comprehensively answer the question “why do you want to work here?” with great examples from your research. This can be the decision maker when it comes down to two candidates and deciding which of the two deserve the job. A well prepared answer can demonstrate to your potential employer that you want the role more.

The job market in 2023 offers both employers and employees a range of opportunities and challenges. The scars from the financial crisis have led to cautious recruitment strategies, with temporary and project-based roles becoming increasingly prevalent. Employees, benefiting from a recovering market, have more leverage, demanding a flexible work environment. Candidates and employers must adapt their approaches to screening, salary negotiation, and interview preparation to thrive in this evolving landscape. By staying informed and responsive to the shifting dynamics, both employers and employees can navigate the job market successfully in 2023.