The Needs of Northern Ireland's Employers and Job Seekers Revealed

For organisations of all shapes and sizes, the well-known skills shortages across many sectors are continuing to put serious pressure on the labour market. This is being made even tougher by rising employment costs and upcoming changes to employment law, making it harder than ever to source and hold onto top talent.

In a recent survey, we found the biggest challenge employers are facing when it comes to recruiting and retaining talent is the “difficulty in finding qualified candidates,” closely followed by “competitive salary expectations.” These two issues are often linked, particularly in niche areas where skilled candidates are able to demand salaries well above the market rate. For example, the CIPD Resourcing and Talent Planning Report 2024 found that competition for well-qualified talent has only grown over the past year.

What Employers Value Most for Long-Term Success

When we asked employers, “What key qualities do you believe are most important in candidates for long-term success at your company?” the clear top answer was “cultural fit,” followed by “technical skills.” It’s no surprise that organisations place high importance on cultural alignment, as it can often be the key to a candidate’s lasting success in any company. Interestingly, employees agreed when asked about the qualities most critical for their long-term career success, they also placed “cultural fit” at the top of the list.

What Matters Most to Candidates When Applying for Jobs

Despite cultural fit being so critical for long-term success, employers felt that what candidates care about most during the application process is “competitive salary and benefits.” We posed the same question to employees, “What’s most important to you when applying for a job?” and they agreed, ranking salary and benefits as their top priority.

However, insights from the NI Employment Monitor indicate that while salary and benefits are key drivers, more candidates are also placing greater emphasis on factors like workplace culture, the strength of an employer’s brand, ESG initiatives, and diversity. This signals a shift towards a more holistic approach when considering new job opportunities.

The Biggest Challenges for Job Seekers

Preparation remains critical during any career move. When we asked employees, “What’s the biggest challenge you face when looking for a job?” the top response was “preparing and performing well in interviews.” Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. It’s an old saying, but it holds true. Researching the company, understanding the interviewers, reviewing the job description, and updating your CV are all essential steps. Additionally, preparing examples from your own experience can help you perform more confidently.

The second-biggest challenge for job seekers was “getting noticed by recruiters and managers.” To overcome this, building a strong professional presence on LinkedIn and networking with industry professionals can make a big difference. Attending events, meetups, and conferences is another valuable way to expand your network. Choosing the right recruitment agency is also crucial. At MCS we can introduce you to key employers, support interview preparation, and assist with salary negotiations.

Bridging the Gap Between Employers and Employees

At a time when the talent market is more competitive than ever, bridging the gap between what employers need and what candidates value is critical. Both sides recognise the importance of cultural fit for long-term success, but there’s still a perception gap when it comes to what drives candidates to apply for roles.

As a recruitment agency, we’re here to help organisations and candidates navigate these challenges. Whether you’re an employer seeking top talent or a candidate looking for your next role, we’re committed to finding the right fit for both sides.

Discover the truth about talent and let us help you bridge the gap between finding and retaining the best talent in today’s market. Contact us today at [email protected] or visit www.mcsgroup.jobs to learn how we can support your recruitment needs or help you land your next career move.