Slight upturn in city's jobmarket

The Londonderry branch of Grafton Recruitment reveals that the number of jobs available in the area has increased by 7% in the past six months, demonstrating a renewed confidence in the market by employers in the North West.

However, Joanne Quinn, Branch Manager of Grafton Recruitment in Londonderry comments: "Despite recruitment beginning to pick up, jobseekers throughout the area are still facing some of the toughest conditions for a decade, resulting in a 'two-speed labour market'.”

Joanne reports that with each job vacancy receiving an average of 40 applications, peaking as high as 70 for secretarial and PA roles, jobseekers throughout the Londonderry area face tough competition.

"A slight rise in recruitment has encouraged those in employment to have confidence to seek their next position. This is increasing competition for those out of employment and increasingly pitching the desperate against the ambitious in a two speed jobs market.

"Whilst the private sector looks geared for growth, public sector spending cuts are changing the face of unemployment in a manner not seen since the decline of heavy manufacturing in the 1970s. Thankfully however, most public sector workers hold an enviable set of transferable skills."

She offers this advice for Londonderry’s jobseekers: "For jobseekers it is important they understand the need to remain flexible as to the role and location of their next job.

"Employers are being more selective and cautious, candidates will have to work harder to market themselves and showcase their talents. It seems obvious but spending extra time on CVs and job applications can really pay dividends, as well as focussing on transferable skills and being flexible in your approach and expectations."