Retail & Wholesale Recruitment – what is happening the in the market now?
Kim Richards, October 2010

2010 started off with "a hiss and a roar” in the retail and wholesale sectors in particular with marketing and merchandise roles returning. As many of you will know, the last few months have slowed down again and there still seems to be quite a bit of caution around hiring new staff within theses sectors due to a number of factors.

Despite the tough times, it is still hard to find good candidates. There is a myth out there that because there are not many jobs, there will be a great choice of candidates. Unfortunately this is not the case, particularly at the mid level. There are some strong very senior candidates in the market, but as we know, with the size of the NZ market and with many head offices being based in Australia, there are fewer senior roles. We are also finding that many candidates are still sitting tight with the ongoing uncertainty in the market.


2011 – What does it hold?
Kim Richards, October 2010

From what we are hearing from clients and candidates there should be some changes and movement in the New Year and a more positive start to 2011.

If you are thinking of growing your team, anticipating new projects or even possible turnover in the New Year, now is the time to start thinking about it and there are some key points to consider.....

It is 8 weeks until Christmas. If you want a new employee to start in your business in the New Year, you will need to start recruiting now. Leaving it any later will see you with someone probably only starting in about March 2011.

If you are going to wait until the New Year to recruit for new staff, you can anticipate a start date in March or April. Take into consideration....
• Most people are back at work and start looking about mid-late January.
• The recruitment process can take 4 – 6 weeks
• Most candidates are required to give their current employer a month’s notice period.

The New Year is a great time to recruit as....

• Many candidates use the post Christmas and New Year holiday period to re-evaluated their career direction, resulting in the new year traditionally having more active job seekers
• There is usually an influx of kiwi’s returning from their O.E at this time of the year.