Companies Feel Good About Growth, but Challenged in Recruiting Candidates

While companies feel good about growing in the first quarter of 2014, they are concerned about their ability to recruit top candidates for positions.  The following post has more information.

In a recent Robert Half survey, nearly all (91 percent) of executives interviewed said they are optimistic about their companies’ near-term growth prospects. However, they are less certain about their ability to recruit experienced talent for open jobs. In fact, more than six in 10 (63 percent) chief financial officers (CFOs) said it is somewhat or very challenging to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today.

CFOs were asked, “How confident are you in your company’s prospects for growth in the first quarter?” Their responses:

*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.

CFOs were also asked, “In general, how challenging is it for your company to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today?” Their responses:

*Responses do not total 100 percent due to rounding.

“A company’s success often is directly tied to its ability to attract and retain talented employees,” said Paul McDonald, Robert Half senior executive director. “The businesses best positioned for success are those with well-established hiring processes, including seeking referrals from internal staff, leveraging external networks for leads, and partnering with a specialized recruiting firm.”

McDonald noted retention has become a greater focus for businesses because skilled workers are harder to replace. “We see more companies benchmarking salaries to ensure pay remains competitive and offering attractive perks, like telecommuting or retirement packages.”