What's going to happen in recruitment in 2022? Well if I had a crystal ball that would be an easy question to answer, but here are my thoughts as we start the New Year.

What a year to try and review in a short newsletter.  I can’t believe we are in December – where has that year (well let’s be honest the last 18 months) gone?

What a year to try and review in a short newsletter.  I can’t believe we are in December – where has that year (well let’s be honest the last 18 months) gone? Lockdown 3 We started the year in lockdown and for myself and my husband we started it with Covid which wasn’t pleasant (obviously we weren’t vaccinated at this point).  It really knocked me for 6 energy wise and losing smell and taste towards the end wasn’t any fun at all – particularly when there was little to look forward to in lockdown 3 in winter!  Thankfully we are all OK now.   Farewells to family We then moved house into a massive renovation and extension project and my Stepdaughter emigrated to Australia with our 3½ -year-old Grandson 2 days later – emotions were running high let me tell you!   Bouncing back   Finally, the UK gradually came out of lockdown and the employment market bounced back.  In fact, its bounced back so much its now the most buoyant market I have ever known and that’s saying something since I have been in the industry for over 31 years.  As followers of mine you will know that I am always looking for the positives and therefore it’s what I call a “jobs rich” market rather than candidate shortage.  Furlough ended in the summer and as I predicted there weren’t hundreds more people looking for work!   The status quo   Even now in December I am still taking on new jobs, new clients and more importantly turning away jobs daily.  In fact, November was my best month since I set up the business in January 2011 – it’s tough and hard work but I am filling jobs on a regular basis. I pride myself on my individual service to both clients and candidates and as such will only work with clients that are using my services exclusively, will pay the going market salary and will listen to me and move quickly.  To assist me with my recruitment I have taken on a freelance, part time, remote resourcer called Emma who is helping me with some of the additional workload of late. So, if you are looking to recruit in January (or seriously get the January blues and start thinking about a new job), then reach out to me via my website, phone, email, or social media.  I will do my best to help and provide you with the current local employment statistics.  

Dorset LEP has researched and published Insights into the Dorset Labour Market and Skills for quarter 3 this year. It’s a fascinating report of interest to both clients and to candidates, it never hurts to have knowledge and understanding of the local recruitment market no matter which side of the fence you are on. In particular interest to candidates is the piece in the report about green jobs and how that manifests in our locality - here's a short snippet to whet your appetite...   "The Government unveiled its landmark Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener setting out how the UK will secure 440,000 well-paid jobs and unlock £90 billion in investment in 2030 on its path to ending its contribution to climate change by 2050.

Dorset LEP has researched and published Insights into the Dorset Labour Market and Skills for quarter 3 this year.   It’s a fascinating read (not least because I am featured in it!) and provides essential commentary on the local labour market.   It’s true the report focusses on Dorset, but the story is the similar for Hampshire and surrounding counties, so hugely relevant to all my clients and further network.   Key findings of the report: The end of the Furlough scheme Vacancies and opportunities in Dorset: record growth Demand grew on all pre-pandemic levels across all industries Top employers, jobs, and skills Employment holding up, unemployment rising, return to work accelerating Both younger and older workers are more likely to be unemployed Declines in employment are occupation and sector specific Self-employment cautiously back on growing trajectory Increase in pay seen nationally not yet reflected in Dorset Grow your green career in Dorset

Focus on these employability skills during your studies – and talk about them in interviews – to land yourself a great job with prospects. I'm always on the look out for useful articles and information to share with candidates and when I saw this one, I thought it ideal and timely content for our October Newsletter.  The article is taken from www.managers.org.uk, it's aimed at graduates, but when I read it, I thought there was so much here that was relevant to all candidates.

This month's newsletter... ... is a veritable font of useful information! I'm sharing with you... How Bournemouth University is supporting local employers in recruiting graduate talent in the BCP area. A recruitment guide that sets out five key actions to help organisations become more age-inclusive, based on the Good Recruitment for Older Workers (GROW) project by the Centre for Ageing Better. Totaljobs latest salary report, providing an insight into the UK job market.

In less than 10 seconds, you could probably think of a friend who's unhappy with their job and wishes they could be somewhere (anywhere) else. While you may not always be able to find the career that's perfect for you, it's possible to match yourself up with the job that fits your personality. It's much easier to achieve career goals when your job feels like a natural extension of who you are.

t's a job-rich market (I'm telling you something you already know right?) There's a shortage of candidates that are willing to change roles. My advice.... think outside the box. Treat your recruitment advertising like you would your sales and marketing. Here are some of my top tips...

The benefits of video interviews One of the positive things to come out of lockdown has been the introduction of video interviews into the recruitment process. Here's why we think they're here to stay...

We're all about sharing useful information at Aspire Jobs, this month we're talking about answering job application questions

With many employers and certainly all recruitment agencies locally feeling the pinch trying to find staff for both temporary and permanent roles, Helen Stacey – MD of Aspire Jobs explains the issues in the current marketplace.