Job Candidates, Take Heart: You Are in Demand!

A job search can be daunting for even the most experienced accounting professionals – but a recent survey suggests that job seekers have more leverage than they might think. Four out of five hiring managers polled said they believe it is equally or more challenging to recruit new candidates compared to 12 months ago, and 82 percent expect the trend to continue over the next year. The primary challenge? A shortage of qualified workers, 52 percent of survey respondents said.
 

At the same time, employees view the current job market as just as challenging as last year’s. Only 15 percent think finding a job is easier today than it was 12 months ago, compared with 21 percent who felt this way at the same time last year. The survey was part of the 2006 Employment Dynamics and Growth Expectations (EDGE) Report, jointly conducted by Robert Half International and CareerBuilder.com.
 

The survey underscores the difference between employee and employer perspectives on today’s hiring environment. While firms are eager to attract skilled professionals, candidates remain cautious about their job prospects. The following facts from the EDGE Report can help boost your confidence as you seek that ideal job.
 

• Top job salaries on the rise. Technical and professional staff-level openings are the most difficult to fill, according to 37 percent of hiring managers. Not surprisingly, 36 percent of those surveyed would increase salaries to recruit this group.

• Salaries remain stable or increasing. Of the 1,000 hiring managers polled, 38 percent expect compensation offers to rise in the next year. Another 54 percent expect no change, and 8 percent expect offers to decrease. Eighteen percent of hiring managers said they are apt to increase compensation for director, manager and team-leader positions, while 13 percent will focus more on administrative and office support.

• Have confidence in your bargaining power. Despite the trends, only 29 percent of employees surveyed believe they have the ability to negotiate a better compensation package than they did last year. But keep the shortage of skilled candidates in mind as you negotiate. After all, salaries are rising at some firms, and savvy employers know that 45 percent of workers polled view health insurance is the most important benefit, while 24 percent cited flexible work hours as most significant. These perks could make a salary and benefits package significantly more attractive.
   

To request your free copy of the EDGE Report, contact Accountemps at 800-803-8367 or visit our website at www.accountemps.com.