Key Market Trends

Companies want administrative professionals who exceed performance expectations and can adapt quickly to changing business demands. Employers are recruiting experienced candidates who can immediately boost team productivity and are open to learning new skills and taking on added responsibilities.

The following trends are impacting the employment environment for administrative professionals:

• Importance of finding the right 'fit' – To ensure candidates will transition seamlessly to a new office environment and new coworkers, employers may ask them to meet with several members of the team as part of the hiring process.
• Technical and communication skills wanted – Candidates who are fluent in both English and French are in strong demand, as are those with Microsoft Office expertise and proficiency using data management software, Microsoft Project and enterprise resource planning software (such as SAP). At not-for-profit organizations, hiring managers seek applicants familiar with fundraising and donor management systems such as Raiser's Edge. Also desired are support staff who can monitor industry activity online and conduct competitive research as needed.
• Lengthier candidate screening processes – To avoid costly hiring mistakes, hiring managers are devoting more time to the employment process and looking for greater value in each person hired. Candidates may participate in panel interviews and multiple rounds of meetings. In addition, companies are utilizing temporary-to-full-time hiring arrangements more often.