Just as the weather warms up in Atlanta, the job market is hot for highly skilled professionals, especially in finance and information technology. Demand for certain specialized positions is already exceeding supply. The leading Atlanta indicators, such as manufacturing and construction job growth, suggest this trend will continue.
Despite what may be perceived as a high general unemployment rate (8.2 percent statewide in April), professionals with experience in business intelligence and strategy, financial analysis and .Net development fit what have proved to be hard-to-fill roles for hiring managers. With a 3.8 percent unemployment rate for professionals 25 and older with a college degree, these specialists are receiving multiple job offers, and counteroffers from their current employers to encourage them to stay.
Three years ago, companies weren’t refilling vacancies. Today, firms are plugging holes and adding positions. Seventy-two percent of chief financial officers in the Atlanta area are planning to hire for roles opening during the next three months, according to the third-quarter Atlanta Professional Employment Forecast by Robert Half, a specialized staffing firm. An additional 12 percent of those interviewed expect to create new professional-level positions in the third quarter, in line with what they reported in the second-quarter survey.
For the third quarter of 2013, executives said they are optimistic and confident about growth prospects, which have the potential to lead to additional opportunities for job seekers with in-demand skills.
For the best and brightest candidates, firms need to be prepared to move fast and extend competitive job offers. Benefits and perks — such as telecommuting and flex hours — can also go a long way in attracting stellar staff in this commuter-heavy market. It’s also important to be aware of factors leading to turnover and re-evaluate compensation for critical employees to ensure they are being paid fairly based on current rates, as opposed to when they were hired during the downturn.
More candidates seem willing to accept long-term interim and project assignments, as opposed to only considering full-time roles. This can offer increased flexibility for hiring managers and professionals and be a conduit for full-time hiring.
Those pursing a new job or career should keep in mind that referrals are critical. Leverage your network to make sure your connections know you are looking. Partner with a recruiter specializing in your field who can present career options best suited for your skills and needs.
During a career transition, find ways to stay marketable, and keep your technical and soft skills current, such as by volunteering with a nonprofit organization or taking on temporary work. In your resume, use key words from the job posting, as long as they match your experience, to ensure it is picked up by pre-screening software. Quantify your achievements as much as possible.
Summer is upon us, but companies don’t appear to be taking a vacation from hiring. Job seekers shouldn’t stop searching, either.
Andy Decker is a senior regional vice president in Atlanta for Robert Half.
