Temporary hires on the horizon for secretarial and business support professionals

Temporary recruitment will be the preferred option for risk adverse organisations looking to expand their secretarial and business support teams in 2012, according to the 13th edition of the Global Salary Survey by international recruitment consultancy Robert Walters.

Recruitment in the sector slowed in 2011, as organisations spooked by uncertain global trends scaled back their growth plans. While organizations don't appear to be making any firm hiring commitments for 2012 there are indications that there will be more opportunities coming to market.

Robert Walters' Director – Secretarial & Business Support, Erica Lindberg said, "Uncertainty in global economies and market fluctuations led to some organisations favouring the flexibility of contract staff, rather than permanent hires. However, we do expect both permanent and contract recruitment activity to increase in 2012, as organisations that adopted a, wait and see, approach become more active."

The survey also found that:

Accounts receivable and credit professionals were in highest demand due to a renewed focus on cash flow and financial management

There was a trend toward hiring "hybrid" professionals who could cover a range of functions as a cost cutting measure

There was a steady increase in salaries across most sectors in 2011, particularly for contracts and procurement professionals and project administrators with mining and resources experience. Due to the talent shortages in these boom sectors, hiring managers were thinking pragmatically in assessing transferable skills and organisational fit.

Now in its 13th year, the Robert Walters Global Salary Survey is the most comprehensive of its kind. Compiled by the company's dedicated research team and covering all 23 countries and disciplines in which Robert Walters specialises, the latest edition offers an overview of salaries and recruitment trends from 2011, as well as those expected in 2012.

For more information please contact Lillian Hafez on +61 2 8289 3237 or lillian.hafez@robertwalters.com.au

About Robert Walters
Robert Walters is one of the world's leading global recruitment consultancies, specialising in the placement of permanent, contract and temporary positions across all levels of seniority. Our teams of professional consultants are renowned for their professionalism, integrity and exceptional recruitment consultancy services. Using a flexible approach to recruitment, we are committed to matching client needs to candidate aspirations to create mutual benefit for both. In Australia we have offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Chatswood, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.