Recruitment statistics in France: what do the numbers tell us?
This article, based on the Q1 2022 Apec barometer, is particularly suggestive. Note that the recruitment figures studied by Apec concern executive hires in France
The numbers show a recovery in economic activity in France.
It should be noted that from an overall perspective, economic activity in France has continued to improve since the end of 2021 (0.5% of GDP between the third quarter and the quarter before 2021).
This is good news for employment. Even though there is also a catch-up effect in the sectors most affected by the containment measures linked to the Covid pandemic19 (restaurants, tourism, transport, etc.).
Thanks to a return to economic dynamism, executive job offers have returned to their annual number before the health crisis.
In the last quarter of 2021, the number of offers exceeded 2019 levels by 2%. This is a clear and encouraging sign of continued hiring in French companies.
Counterbalance certain tensions in the recruitment market.
The recovery in activity and the desire to recruit has unfortunately been accompanied by major recruitment difficulties for companies. Of the companies that have recruited or attempted to recruit executives over the past year, 60% said it was difficult (72% for large companies and 59% for VSEs/SMEs). The tension on the recruitment market is problematic. The number of companies hiring executives is stagnating (10%), partly due to the strong recruitment difficulties. Worse still, one in four French companies considering hiring a CEO by 2021 has given up on the job. Cause mentioned: lack of targeted applications related to the profile sought.
In addition, in order to successfully recruit, companies had to hire an executive who did not have all the technical skills required for the position. Another interesting figure is that 29% of French companies were helped in their recruitment process by a recruitment firm.
French companies remain confident despite everything.
The good news is that business confidence remains high, despite the volatile health situation. 78% of companies say they are confident that their order books will grow.
In the first quarter of 2022, hiring will increase again, especially in large companies, where the hiring intention is 67%. This willingness to hire will be reflected throughout the year by a significant increase in the publication of job offers. However, this recruitment intention is limited by the fear of difficulties in recruiting. Indeed, 78% of companies intending to hire are likely to experience difficulties, and will therefore have to make numerous adjustments to the profiles they seek.
What about the candidates?
The perception of executive candidates is quite good. Plans for professional migration in 2022 remain high (39%). But they are still not growing. This may increase the tension in the market and the battle for talent.
Note that current executives are already quite active in their job search in 2021: 31% of them responded to a job offer and 28% had a recruitment interview last year.
Finally, there is a determining factor that companies must now take into account in their hiring practices. This is the new professional and personal aspirations of post-pandemic candidates.
And let's talk about it.
A post-Covid trend to consider: "The Great Reformation".
Have you heard of what Anglo-Saxon employers call the "Great Reformation"? Also known as the "Great Resignation", the term can be translated as "Great Domination" in French. It refers to the fact that millions of American employees are leaving their jobs to find more satisfying work with more flexibility. The criteria for finding a job has changed. Now they focus on job flexibility. For example, according to the article cited above, 9 out of 10 U.S. employees working remotely during the pandemic want to be able to work from a home office at least one day a week.
Does this evolution of the American labor market also concern France? Probably yes, to some extent. It has become increasingly difficult for French companies to recruit in recent months (as we saw earlier). Those who know how to reflect the aspirations of new employees will be able to stand out in the eyes of candidates.
Do you recognize yourself in this observation and in these recruitment statistics? Are you experiencing difficulties in recruiting? Don't wait any longer to get help! A specialized recruitment agency can make the big difference between a successful hire and a failed (or abandoned) hire.
If you are looking for profiles in tension, Molitor International Conseil is the partner you need. Discover our recruitment solutions to find the one that meets your needs !
