Aggressive hiring tactics on the cards

Singapore HR directors at large firms should take note – medium-sized firms are tipped to be the most aggressive hirers in the second half of 2015.

According to the latest Singapore Employment Report by recruitment firm Robert Half, large firms were the most active hirers in the first half of the year – but the tables are set to turn for the second half.

The report polled 400 senior hiring decision makers – including CFOs, financial services business leaders and CIOs – in the banking and financial services, finance and accounting, and technology and IT sectors on their hiring intentions.

The results showed medium-sized firms, with between 500 and 1000 employees, plan to make more new hires than both their larger and smaller competitors.

This is particularly so in the banking and financial services sector, with 66% of medium-sized firms planning to add additional staff in the next six months.

In the finance and accounting sector, 58% of medium-sized firms planned to increase their staff counts, while 51% of medium-sized firms plan to employ technology professionals.

Robert Half Singapore managing director Stella Tang said the increase in hiring could be attributed to a desire of medium-sized businesses to expand.

“There is a strong sense of confidence among mid-sized companies right now. They are keen to make new hires to give them the capacity to seize opportunities they can see.”

For the last few years larger firms have generally been the most active hirers, Tang said.

“While big companies are still adding to their headcount, they have been overtaken as the most active hirers.”

Taking a position with a medium-sized firm could prove a smart career move for employees aiming to gain a wide range of skills, she said.

“Medium-sized companies are successful companies with potential to grow more. Employees are often given a wider range of responsibilities within the company and can be promoted quickly if they perform.”