Hiring curb feared to come in 2H16 as job market remains conservative

7 out of 10 candidates are cynical on job availabilities.

As the second half of the year continues to sail out, job seekers and hirers alike may be stuck treading the water as the job market continues to be conservative and candidate motivations start to shift.

According to a survey by job portal JobsDB, candidate outlook for the second half of the year remains conservative, with only 30% of the respondents saying they are optimistic about availability of jobs.

Employees with senior tenure saw the highest portion of candidates who believe that there will be job vacancies in the future.

Add to that the sea of change in the motivation posed by various candidate segments.

"As tenure among groups increase, the trend from junior to higher levels shifts from primarily being driven by the need for career opportunities, to salary, to relationship with reporting managers," the report noted.

And as the percentage of hirers who said they are increasing their workforce declined by 24% from 72% last quarter, the survey noted that candidates must ensure that they have the right mindset in creating value not just for themselves but for the organizations they wish to be part with.

On the part of hirers who may be affected by the shifting motivations of candidates, the survey underscored the need to adapt with the changing tide.

"They can tap into a 3 key solution by using the traditional job ad posting, but boosting attractiveness and visibility through branding and cross-device compatibility, and also proactively reaching relevant candidates”, JobDB Country Manager Chook Yuh Yng said.