Hiring trends across South Africa

01/02/2016

We anticipate 2016 will be a challenging year for hiring managers as the market continues to be dominated by the problematic issues affecting the natural resources sector, specifically mining and oil & gas.

However, mirroring 2015 trends, there will be increased hiring confidence in key areas as professionals with specialist skills in banking, legal and IT will remain in demand during 2016.

We also expect to see increased hiring among pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies, as future legislative requirements will demand that drugs used in Africa are manufactured in Africa. In addition, we anticipate that as the oil and gas industry declines, companies in the growing renewable energy sector will seek to hire chartered accountants to guide their development.

As competition intensifies for key professionals across banking, legal and IT, we anticipate that many will increasingly receive multiple job offers. The first impressions of possible employers will therefore become much more important in a candidate’s decision-making process, and we recommend that hiring managers streamline the recruitment process to create the most favourable experience.

Despite a challenging backdrop, top-performing candidates in all sectors will receive salary increases of 10-15%, while non-movers can expect inflation-linked increments of 5-10%.

The country’s Employment Equity legislation, which guarantees employment privileges to previously disadvantaged groups, continues to add a unique level of complexity for hiring managers in South Africa. They will need to be increasingly flexible in setting qualification and experience requirements to remain within legislation.

To further discuss, please contact:

Nic Sephton-Poultney, Country Manager
nic.sephton-poultney@robertwalters.com
+27 11 881 2414