The latest Hays Quarterly Report shows hiring intentions are improving and a greater variety of skills are in demand than we’ve seen throughout the year.

The Hays Quarterly Report tracks skills in demand, and in its October edition includes such roles as Registered Architects, IT Project Managers and Marketing Communications professionals, among others.

“Over the year pockets of demand certainly existed, but they were often centred upon managing the effects of the financial crisis,” said Chris Mead, General Manager of Hays in Singapore. “Audit, compliance and risk specialists and sales candidates with an excellent record of delivery for example were all in demand.

“Now, employers are also turning their focus to preparing for the expected upturn in business activity. Caution remains, but confidence is returning. Economists have predicted that Singapore is likely to see a return to positive year-on-year growth numbers this quarter. So it seems the local economy is on track for solid vacancy activity.

“Already current job market activity would seem to indicate that we are past the worst of the recession,” Chris said.

• Accountancy & Finance: Internal Audit and Risk/Compliance candidates are sought to improve controls. Regulatory reporting roles in banks are increasing and cost control is a hotspot high on the corporate agenda. Group finance roles have increased as managers can now replace roles they previously had to cover internally.
  
  
• Banking: Specialist compliance and risk management candidates are in high demand. Credit risk roles are prevalent alongside quantitative finance and valuation control, while banking operations roles are becoming increasingly common.
  
  
• Construction & Property: Tunnel and Geotechnical Engineers are sought for Government-funded MRT and road projects. Building maintenance, expansion plans and contract renewals have created demand for Facilities Managers. In a positive sign that new project activity will recommence, Registered Architects are sought.
  
  
• Finance Technology: Demand is rising for development and application support at the analyst and AVP level. In development, senior C++ and Java-based candidates with derivatives knowledge are sought. In support, strength in database, scripting and platform skills around the securities and derivatives markets are in demand.
  
  
• Human Resources: Organisations are keen to recruit fresh, new talent at the middle management level, while mergers and process reform projects have increased demand for Process Re-engineering and Change Managers.
  
  
• Information Technology: J2EE, .Net skills and experienced technical sales candidates are highly sought at present. There has also been a significant increase in employer demand for applications candidates, from Developers to Project Managers.
  
  
• Oil & Gas: Companies are actively looking at expanding their business, which is creating demand for business development skills. Design Engineers, in particular structural and naval architects, and local Geophysicists with an interpretation background and overseas experience are sought.
  
  
• Sales & Marketing: As Singapore’s economy slowly recovers, organisations are re-establishing their market presence. This is creating consistent demand for experienced sales professionals. We have also noted growing demand for experienced Marketing Communications professionals.

The full Hays Quarterly Report can be viewed at www.hays.sg/forecast .