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The banker’s neighbour had the best fireworks

The neighbour's grass is always greener. Ok, so this proverb may not have been quite as appropriate in December 2009, because your gardens were covered in a thick blanket of white snow. But, maybe this year your neighbour had better fireworks than you did. Yours were already finished by half past twelve and the price to bang and flash ratio was moderate at best. Your neighbour's were much better, and you were a little jealous. You're only human, fortunately.

Last quarter over 2,500 people participated in our survey on the needs and opinions of business people. We asked which industry they are currently active in and where their preferences actually lie. We allowed multiple answers, because people often have broad interests. The results were interesting. Of those currently working in Financial Services, 36% did not choose their own sector. Are they fed up from all the negative publicity? Are they sick of the ‘greed is good’ culture? Or have they realized that job security is a myth even in their industry? Of course, the reason could be that people who work in financial services are simply more jealous of others. If that’s the case, they have one advantage: you don’t have to pay to enjoy your neighbour’s fireworks.

Percentage of respondents that didn’t give preference to their own industry:
FMCG/Food	8,1%
Retail	20,8%
Industry and Manufacturing	21,3%
Wholesale business	21,7%
Business Services	27,0%
Publishing	31,4%
Financial Services	36,0%

The labour market in 2010 - our vision

There’s no escaping it. As a specialist in the recruitment of sales and marketing professionals we have free rein to air our opinions on the state of the labour market all year long, but we will not get away with that in a newsletter sent out in the first week of the New Year. You’ll want us to share our vision for the labour market in 2010. Let’s start with a few facts:
* The ageing of the population will continue, and flex working will continue to increase, too. Thus, the total working population will decline from 7.7 million people in 2010 to 6.9 million in 2013, of which 20% will want to work flexibly (Source: NOA) and;
* Unemployment rates among young professionals will remain low, while baby boomers’ job loyalty will only increase (Source: AGO).

Our conclusion is therefore that, once the business world is ready for action after the crisis, the competition for jobs will be fiercer than ever. So fierce, in fact, that companies will find that their survival depends on it. Companies that do not know how to find and retain the right people will lose competitiveness, with all its consequences. Are you responsible for HR or Sales and want to know how to prepare yourself, call us at 020-4420686 and make an appointment for a personal consultation.

Overheard in December 2009

Can we meet after next week? I can only get to my hairdresser then and I would like to look good' - A candidate (m) scheduling an interview.
'Kan Can someone tell my clients that the crisis really is over now so that they’ll start placing orders?' - An Account Manager needs help.
'Do your customers know that there are many good freelancers out there who are available at short notice?' - A freelancer who is available for work.
'De The best investments of the past years, were the ones I didn’t invest in'- An entrepreneur.

Interesting links

www.hrbase.nl - An excellent site – written by HR professionals, for HR professionals. HR Managers: sign up!
cobtul.carerix.net - Go to our website, update your data and send us your latest CV. Do it. Now.
www.eersteindruk.nl - What kind of first impression do you make on others? Film yourself, upload and receive feedback – exciting!
www.winnenindearbeidsmarkt.nl - Is your business ready to hire new people? What is your impact on the labour market? Test it here.

Cobben & Van Tulder wishes you a happy 2010.