RIYADH: The latest Job Index survey conducted by Bayt.com and YouGov has shown that Saudi Arabia's hiring expectancy in the coming months is slightly lower than it was in the fourth quarter of 2011. Most jobs in the coming three months will be for junior executives in the private sector, with a preference for computer science, commerce and business management qualifications across the region.
Of the 58 percent of companies in the Kingdom that are "definitely" or "probably" hiring in the next three months, the majority (43 percent) will be looking to hire less than five people, while 24 percent will look for 6-10 new employees. In a year's time, the figures are slightly more positive with 68 percent of companies "definitely" or "probably" hiring.
Across the region, the majority of survey respondents (31 percent) equally prefer candidates with the following experience: Strong computer skills, and the ability to manage a team with a prior experience in a managerial role. Sales and marketing experience followed next (26 percent). Meanwhile, in terms of skill sets, the ability to communicate effectively in both English and Arabic is considered to be the most important skill in a job-seeker, according to 51 percent of respondents. Other skills that employers look for are the ability to be a flexible, helpful and cooperative team player (45 percent), overall personality and demeanour (43 percent), and trustworthiness (42 percent).
In Saudi Arabia specifically, computer skills is the most desirable experience that a candidate can have according to 35 percent of respondents, followed by managerial (33 percent), and sales and marketing experience (30 percent). On the other hand, the three most desirable skills for KSA employers are good communication capabilities in English and Arabic (69 percent); the ability to be a flexible team player (48 percent) and overall personality and demeanour (44 percent).
Meanwhile, the top five academic qualifications that are most sought-after by KSA employers are computer science (25 percent), engineering (24 percent), jointly commerce, business management and administrative qualifications (22 percent each), information technology (16 percent) and electronics (13 percent). Employers are mostly looking for junior executives, executives, coordinators and senior executives.
"Employment trends are relatively similar across the region, with roughly a quarter of MENA companies expecting or considering hiring new employees in the coming months, and in a year's time," said Suhail Masri, vice president of sales, Bayt.com.
"Bayt.com specializes in bringing employers together with their ideal candidates. Likewise, it provides essential information for job-seekers to properly arm themselves with the tools required to make a difference in today's competitive market."
"It seems that there are fewer people considering either an industry change or international relocation at present, which would suggest that employees are, in general, satisfied with their current situations," said Sundip Chahal, CEO of YouGov. "Hiring expectancy figures for the next three months and in the next year across are leaning toward the positive, with the private sector's multinational companies hiring the most during this time."
© Arab News 2012
