“Good people are hard to find” no longer rings true as employers focus on building up their core corporate teams in a candidate rich climate, says recruitment specialist Employment Office.

Managing director, Tudor Marsden-Huggins, said employers are making the most of the overflowing talent pool by placing a renewed emphasis on filling senior roles.

“Employers are entering a candidate arms race; they’re focused on taking advantage of the experience suspended in the current job market and getting those strong candidates on board.”

“It’s now about strengthening those key foundational positions, sharpening business strategies, and preparing for the commercial battle that will begin once the market takes off again.”

The influx of skilled professionals has been clearly evident in recent recruitment drives. The number of job applications Employment Office receives per week has risen by 203 per cent in the last six months.

“The number of applications for a Sales Consultants role with Victory Curtains and Blinds last month almost tripled when compared to the same campaign in September last year,” Tudor Marsden-Huggins said.

“Additionally, more than 1000 applicants are currently competing for 50 hospitality roles with Oaks Hotels and Resorts in Broome, while a Police Constable position in the Northern Territory has 349 applications.”

The surplus of applications has been felt by almost every industry sector and employers have responded by driving competition and demanding more from their candidates.

Employment Office’s joint venture partner, Flight Centre, has set OP 6 as the minimum educational requirement for all future travel consultants, while other organisations are eager to absorb experience into their workforce.

In a current campaign for Building Site Supervisor, Arrow Energy is seeking an applicant with at least 20 years experience in construction projects, and at least 10 years experience as a Site Supervisor.

Tudor Marsden-Huggins said those who are in a position to recruit are being presented with a choice of prime candidates for almost every position advertised.

“There is an underlying drive to ‘stock up’ on talent,” he said.
“By consolidating operations and strengthen senior positions within the business, employers are positioning themselves on the starting blocks, poised for a head start”.