5 hiring trends you cannot ignore

Hiring Trends

If the first couple of months are anything to go by, hiring seems to be picking up just a tad bit compared to last year.

Here are some trends that we are noticing:

Hiring Trend #5: Hiring is showing positive signs, but the spread is uneven

31 states added jobs in January ’10 compared to just 11 in December, but the job gains weren’t enough to lower the high unemployment rate. For example, California reported the largest job gains, of 32,500, though its unemployment rate also rose. If you are someone that is not in a growth area and you are open to relocation, research your target geographies for prospective employers.

Hiring Trend #4: Companies with cash are investing in talent

Firms that have a healthy cash balance are taking this opportunity to invest in top talent especially around sales, new product / service development, service delivery and customer support. The key: find companies that have a strong cash balance…which is easier task to do if the company is public. For researching private firms, you need to go out and fish your network for information as that information is harder to come by.

Hiring Trend #3: Pervasive usage of social networks as hiring and check tools

Company recruiters are using social networks not only to look for candidates but also to perform ‘checks’. In fact, according to a recent survey over 70% of employers admitted to rejecting candidates because they failed the “social networking background check”. Be careful what you post online Also, over 86% US HR workers said that a good online reputation can have a positive impact on a job candidate’s chances.

Hiring Trend #2: More internal referrals

Employers are getting ‘resume fatigue’ and are looking to their existing staff to refer future employees to them. Isn’t that a no-brainer? Employers can not only source candidates at a lower cost but they can also attain a higher confidence level during hiring because of the referral. Not to mention increasing the morale of existing staff by doling out referral fees. Talk about a win-win-win.

Hiring Trend #1: Contract workers and contingent workforce hiring

No surprise here – companies are stepping gingerly on the hiring train and prefer to hire contractors first. Be open to a contract position and prove your mettle. Chances are, your employer may extend you for a longer time or hire you full time.

What are some of the other hiring trends that you have observed in your industry or area?

Sources: Associated Press, NY Times, ABC News and Switched

photo credit: Sarah Elizabeth 83