HIGHLIGHTS
• 20% OF COMPANIES EXPECT THEIR SALES & MARKETING DEPARTMENT TO GROW
• 54% OF COMPANIES TO PAY BONUSES IN 2014
• 74% OF COMPANIES EXPECT SALARIES TO INCREASE IN 2015
• 26% OF COMPANIES SAID SALES & MARKETING POSITIONS WERE THE HARDEST TO FILL
INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES AT ALL LEVELS
87% of employers stated that they are either “Likely” or “Very Likely to hire in 2015. Opportunities will be available for sales professionals within all industry sectors ranging from graduate, junior mid, and management levels. Multinational businesses that have a global sales footprint will higher in larger volumes however the majority of hires will be at low to mid-level. SME’s however will hire more senior professionals that in turn will add value, experience and profitability.
SHORTAGE OF TALENT
Whilst a lot of companies are likely to hire in 2015, 67% of companies reported that finding talent can be a difficult. Whilst more positions are arising in the marketplace, clients are now risk averse and are looking to find the best candidates on the marketplace. More often than not, and particularly at a senior level, they are looking for candidates from the same sector and with the required skillset. Indeed finding the best candidates will regularly involve a headhunt approach as a lot of the best candidates are those who are not looking.
THE WAY WE HIRE
The way companies hire is constantly changing and evolving. The traditional 1st round interview of meeting with the Line Manager and HR, will always be part of the process however in some cases that may not be possible. More and more companies are using Skype, FaceTime and video call for interviews when line managers are away or indeed candidates are away travelling or working abroad. The length of an interview process is also taking more time with companies now conducting an extra round to make sure they are finding the best candidate/s for the position.
INVESTMENT IN TRAINING
Companies will invest heavily in both internal and external training during 2015. Companies have confirmed that it will be a key investment to enable to develop, upskill and eliminate any skill deficits in their current workforce. This in turn will improve and strengthen their competitiveness within their market sectors
