As we approach the end of the first quarter in 2010, the economic picture is starting to show signs of much needed improvement however, at Cml Offshore Recruitment we understand that for those still out of work it is difficult to believe recovery is in sight. As a company we are expecting recruitment levels in the Cayman Islands and the rest of the Caribbean to improve but we still need to be realistic about the pace with which it will happen. Working in the Administration and Support Services department for the biggest global offshore recruitment company gives me a keen insight into the office and support market, and as a department we have been busy since the New Year celebrations ended.
As always there are jobs, and companies are hiring, but the competition for those jobs is much tougher. Although past recessions have seen a huge increase in activity in the recovery period, we can already assume that we will see no ‘boomy’ characteristics in 2010, instead seeing slow but consistent growth.
What is important for those looking for work is not to dwell on the doom and gloom of 2009 but to question how you are going approach your job search in 2010.
For those on island already, there is no secret in the fact that local businesses and local recruiters are eager to make sure you are placed in work quickly. If you have been out of work for a long time, it may be time to consider a job you wouldn’t have looked at previously or maybe consider doing some shorter term temporary work in order to keep your cv up to date and acquire new skills. We are seeing an increase in temporary assignments as employers regain confidence in the market.
Recently on US television the Governor of Massachusetts David Gregory was asked for predictions for the job market in 2010, he said
“Expanding cooperation and teamwork is how to compete in a global economy”.
This rings so true with the current administration and support services job market, which although still relies heavily on qualification and experience, is looking for candidates who can prove they go the extra mile with abilities that are linked to attitude, drive and enthusiasm for working.
What do people say about you? Is it all about your qualifications or do they talk about your passion for the job, the one who stays to the end to help out on a project, a respectful, honest and reliable team player. In today’s market this is more important than ever. Employers may have reduced staffing levels over the last two years and are now seeking those with the right attitude not those running late every morning and showing no passion for their job or team.
What you can do to help show a potential employer this? Plan ahead, get references from your previous employers that show them what a fantastic person you are to employ. Try where possible to ask for detail in those references, rather than just dates and confirmation of employment. It is also important to include in your cv a description of what you did in each of your previous roles, just a list of dates and job titles does not sell you to the employer especially if the cv on top of yours talks about all the skills, successful projects and teamwork all backed up with fantastic references and personal statements.
For those looking to move into the Caribbean administration and support service market from overseas the message is still the same we are seeing a slow but consistent increase in demand for candidates. For a client to consider bringing a candidate in from overseas they will have already unsuccessfully completed their local search and will want to move quickly. It is important that you are qualified and experienced in your area of application, have thoroughly researched your move, immigration information (I will cover this in more detail in my next blog) and the place you could potentially be living. Conditions here are still tough for those out of work or looking to make an overseas move but in 2010 the sun is still shining in the Caribbean and we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.