Research from Hays has shown that structural engineers, DevOps professionals and HR business partners are topping skill shortfalls for the first half of 2019 across New Zealand. Hay’s information is collected twice a year and reflects changing market conditions. It also earmarks financial analysts, site managers and Revit technicians as core areas of demand.
“Recruitment activity will remain buoyant thanks to a strong residential construction market, new commercial builds, good levels of vacancy activity in the regions and low unemployment,” says Adam Shapley, managing director of Hays in New Zealand. “This is leading to high demand but a shortage of certain skilled professionals. Given the extent of candidate shortages, employers are revisiting their attraction and retention strategies, including flexible working options, work/life balance and mental wellbeing.”
But Adam warns jobseekers not to be complacent. “Certain skills may be in high demand, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to work hard to secure your next role,” he says. “Even when skills are in demand, jobseekers need to demonstrate to a potential employer the value you could add to the organisation if you are to be successful.
“Remember to list all qualifications as well as systems and software knowledge on your CV,” he advises. “Regularly upskill to keep on top of new trends and technology. Use examples to demonstrate your ability to go above and beyond to add genuine value to an organisation.”
According to the Hays Jobs Report, skills in demand for the first half of 2019 include:
- Accountancy & Finance: Accountants with strong business intelligence, analytics and soft skills, Financial Analysts who can analyse increasingly larger datasets, Finance Business Partners and Credit Controllers.
- Engineering: Structural Engineers with proven seismic project experience, Civil Engineers with experience in land development and subdivisions and Stormwater and Three Waters Engineers;
- Human Resources: Experienced HR Business Partners, Health & Safety professionals and Learning & Development professionals;
- Information Technology: DevOps professionals, .NET Developers, Senior Automation Engineers, Cloud and Security Architects and Engineers and Data Scientists and Engineers;
- Property: Commercial Property Brokers, Residential and Commercial Development Managers, experienced Property Managers and Client Side Project Managers;
- Sales: Salespeople with relevant industry and or product
- Trades & Labour: Skilled and competent Registered Electricians, Registered Plumbers, Carpenters and Roofers.