Recruitment agencies see a surge in job applicants

The surge in applicants has been much higher than recruitment agencies would normally expect.

There were 1,135 people registered as wholly unemployed at the end of June, 839 more than at the same time a year earlier.

‘We are definitely seeing a lot more people looking for jobs. There are 100-plus people applying within 48 hours of a job being posted,’ said Situations Recruitment director Nadine Gavey.

‘Within 48 to 72 hours, employers are asking us not to send any more CVs.

‘The number of candidates available immediately has also increased.’

Laura Allison, associate director at Leapfrog, said: ‘More people are registering through the agency and there are more applications for jobs than normal. There are more people in the market.’

Katie Bellingham, director of Focus HRS said: ‘One of the effects of the worldwide pandemic is that businesses are reassessing their strategies, services, and their operations, which inevitably leads to also assessing their resourcing needs. This, alongside the fact that some employers have reduced their recruitment activity, has led to more people being in the marketplace than ever.

‘With less roles being advertised and more people unemployed, [1,135 people registered as unemployed as at the end of June, an increase of 839 year on year], the recruitment market has become one which is employer-led, which is very rare for Guernsey.’

She added: ‘We have found that some employers we work with are receiving an influx of applications in a very short space of time, for roles which previously would have perhaps received less than five applications overall.

‘Potential candidates must ensure that they have a comprehensive CV and covering letter tailored for the role, showing how their skills and experience can contribute to the organisation’s success.’

The Guernsey Press’s recent free recruitment advertising campaign – running until the end of August – has also seen a huge number of applicants per job.

Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association, who placed an advert for sitters to provide respite for carers, said: ‘We have had more people apply than anticipated and from a wider variety of backgrounds. We believe that this is due in part to the levels of unemployment.’

FWS, who recently filled a part-time position they were advertising, attracted more than 140 applicants.

Deputy Mary Lowe, writing on her Twitter feed, said that, ‘I’ve been told by some companies who have gone down the Press route they’ve had in some cases over 100 applicants.’

All the recruitment agencies said they would only put forward suitable candidates for a role.

A spokesperson for Employment & Social Security said: ‘The Job Centre had seen an increase in the number of vacancies being advertised recently, while unemployment continued to fall.

‘The Job Centre advertises vacancies on behalf of employers, who are contacted directly by prospective applicants, so it is not possible for the Job Centre to comment on whether there had also been an increase in the number of applicants per vacancy.

There are currently 97 vacancies advertised. Anyone looking for work or employers who would like to advertise a vacancy with the Job Centre, should visit https://www.gov.gg/jobsupport or they can email jobcentre@gov.gg or call 732516.’