by: Michelle Fish | CEO
Although job creation levels dipped a bit in 2007, it was overall a steady year for the job market. What should we expect in 2008? CareerBuilder.Com recently released the results of their annual Job Forecast Survey which reports that steady job creation in the Professional and Business Services as well as Information Technology is expected to continue into the New Year.
The report also lists the 8 major hiring trends for 2008. I've summarized the trends below, or you may download the entire report here.
1. Bigger Paychecks
About 64% of employers plan to give raises of 3 percent or more to their existing staff, while more than half expect to raise their starting salary offers for new hires.
2. Flexible Work Arrangements
60% of employers report that they currently offer flexible work arrangements, such as alternate schedules, compressed work weeks, and telecommuting. Another 39% expect to offer these perks in 2008.
3. Screening Candidates via the Internet
Nearly one-half of employers use search engines and social networking sites to research candidates.
4. Rehiring Retirees
About 21 percent of employers plan to rehire retirees from another company in 2008, with another 14% expecting to offer incentives to employees approaching retirement to stay on board longer.
5. Diversity Recruitment
85% of employers report that they will be placing the same or greater emphasis on recruiting bilingual candidates in 2008, with Spanish being the most important bilingual language.
6. Freelance or Contract Hiring
31% of employers anticipate working with freelance or contractors in 2008 to help support business initiatives.
7. More Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits and Special Perks
One-in-five employers expect to offer more comprehensive or better health benefits to employees in the New Year. One-in-ten plan to offer special perks such as company car, stock options, free childcare, and educational reimbursement.
8. Career Advancement
In response to more than 50% of workers stating that upward mobility is more important than salary, one-in-four employers are likely to provide more promotions and career advancement opportunities in 2008.
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