Embracing the Global Job Market

There's a lot of talk in the market at the moment about a wide ranging skills shortage. I don't think this is something limited to Australia, but rather gaining momentum globally as trained professionals in developing nations such as India and China find themselves find career opportunities in their home countries. 

Traditionally, these professionals have had to go abroad to study and then to pursue their chosen career. However, increasingly they are going abroad for training, but then deciding to return to their country of origin, not only because of nationalistic obligation, but also because there's great opportunities arising. There are an increasing number of companies in their country developing, growing, and offering similar career paths to what companies in developed nations have been doing for years now.

Previously, when faced with a skills shortage, developed nations such as Australia and the UK would look to tap into the Indian and/or Asian labour markets to find a ready supply of recruits. While this option may offer a lesser degree of success these days, the globalisation of the world economy and the feeling of a global village suggest that offshore recruitment can still be an effective solution for companies facing a shortage of skilled employees. The internet and its social media tools have brought the world closer. Global trade, and the ability to work remotely means that foreign talent can be recruited with greater ease. Well regarded Universities and Colleges have been establishing offshore campuses for over a decade now, ensuring that there's a larger pool of appropriately qualified graduates available for recruiters.

Hiring managers will start to look at recruitment as a global exercise, as opposed to a locally focused effort. Using social media such as Facebook, and LinkedIn will make this process easier. Online job boards and SEO will also play an integral role in broadcasting a role in the global market, to attract a deep pool of well credentialed applicants. Online advancements can also assist with foreign employees being able to gain the appropriate visas in a timely manner, finding suitable accommodation easily, arranging schools for children, and ensuring the moving process runs smoothly, so as to avoid delays in the successful applicant starting in their new role.

Sure there's a skills shortage, but that just means that recruitment needs to become a bit more creative. Embrace the move to start viewing the job market on a global scale, rather than stubbornly continuing to advertise across the old mediums of local print, and online job boards. More than ever, you just don't know who's looking, from where in the world, for that particular role which you're looking to fill.