Job seekers in the driving seat, as companies bid to attract talent, says Glen Callum Associates

Date: Monday 22 August 2022

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With the number of job vacancies rising, and the quantity of permanent roles being filled at its lowest rate in 17 months, Glen Callum Associates (GCA) says this is providing candidates looking for a role in the automotive aftermarket with a huge opportunity.

A recent report by consultancy giant KPMG said recruiters are becoming more tentative over hiring new staff, blaming ongoing skills shortages, among many other factors.

A decline in the number of foreign workers working in the UK following Brexit, and hesitancy from candidates to move jobs given new-found flexibility following the pandemic, are making it more difficult than ever to find the right candidates.

“There’s certainly a tighter supply in available candidates at the moment, but lots of roles still to fill, especially in the automotive aftermarket. Recruiters and hiring companies are having to work extra hard to attract and engage with potential candidates. As a result, it’s imperative that they become specialists in candidate attraction and engagement. However, this poses a great opportunity for candidates looking to secure their next move.” said Glen Shepherd, director of Glen Callum Associates.

What’s more, the uncertainty in the jobs market combined with the rising cost of living has meant that a lot of employees are staying put, ultimately leading to fewer candidates applying, pushing up salaries as a result.

“Amid the market uncertainty and with the cost-of-living crisis still on everyone’s minds, affecting whether people even look for a new role at the moment, we’re seeing companies willing to make significant investments in a bid to attract new talent.

“With roles continuing to grow, now is a good time to be a jobseeker. They will benefit from working closely with specialist recruiters who understand their specific needs and can advise them of new opportunities and the options available to them,” Shepherd adds.

GCA continues to work to secure suitable jobs for candidates, amid the challenges posed by the UK job market. Roles continue to grow, and to ensure its clients are at the forefront of this new recruiting age, the specialist aftermarket recruitment agency is working alongside companies to make their businesses more attractive to potential future staff, helping them with their marketing strategies and their candidate offering.

The team is also taking more time to engage candidates, believing the recruiter’s role of today isn’t just about finding candidates, but that it is also explaining the offering and ensuring the candidates who they speak to are aware what potential there is within any role and how this can improve their career expectations.

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