On the first day of Christmas my client gave to me,
a placement with a big flat fee.
On the second day of Christmas my client gave to me,
Two temporary contracts
and a placement with a big flat fee.
On the third day of Christmas my client gave to me,
Three job referrals
Two temporary contracts
And a placement with a big flat fee
On the fourth day of Christmas my client gave to me,
Four bottles of wine,
Three referrals
Two temporary contracts
And a placement with a big flat fee
On the fifth day of Christmas my client gave to me,
five exclusive orders
Four bottles of wine,
Three referrals
Two temporary contracts
And a placement with a big flat fee.

So, you get the picture, the recruitment industry in Australia is booming. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that I've never seen it this good. Demand for permanent roles is high, business confidence is strong and interest rates are low.

Permanent recruitment is very robust with 22% average year on year growth and temporary and contact figures are revealing average growth of 25% on the previous year's numbers

Since we first began reporting on recruitment industry performance in 2003, this is by far the strongest market I've seen and the chart below provides proof of the pudding.

 

It's undoubtedly a great way to end the year but are these conditions likely to stay? While our economy is affected by much broader global issues think Brexit, there are definite domestic influences looming.

After a summer break and a nudge closer to an election we may see these heady days in recruitment start to swing.

So, how do we play it? Do we sit and wait it out see what 2019 brings or do we bolster our strategy by setting a plan?

My Christmas gift to you is to advise you to start having conversations with clients now.  Ask the brave questions, build a picture of what might change should confidence from client businesses begin to wane and spend your January wisely

Are your consultants equipped with the skills required to negotiate, are you spending time on orders that don't fall in line with your specialism?

Beware the busy market that today gifts you with a multitude of jobs that wander away from your core business and tomorrow dilutes your ability to focus.

Don't be led into 2019 lead into it instead!