Despite the slow growth observed in online hiring, most companies in the industries polled in a new survey by Robert Half are planning to expand their headcount in the second half (H2) of this year.

Of the 400 senior hiring decision makers polled across Singapore, those in the banking and financial services sector were found to be the most aggressive hirers in the second half of 2015.

Overall, 59% of companies in the banking and financial services sector are planning to expand their headcount, while 53% of those in the finance and accounting sector, and 46% of those in the technology and IT sector are planning to do so.

In each sector, it was found that medium-sized firms are planning to hire the most aggressively. They were classified as having more than 500 but fewer than 1000 employees.

Two-thirds of medium-sized firms in the banking and financial services sector indicated plans to expand headcount, compared to 56% and 54% of small-sized and large-sized firms respectively.

As for the finance and accounting sector, 58% of medium sized firms are planning to add new positions while 48% of small-sized firms and 52% of large-sized firms are planning to do so.

In the technology and IT sector, 51% of medium sized firms are planning to hire more staff while only 39% and 44% of small-sized and large-sized firms are planning to do so respectively.

ALSO READ:
How to avoid hiring toxic employees
Hiring managers prefer candidates with soft skills over hard skills

Stella Tang, managing director of Robert Half Singapore said “There is a strong sense of confidence among mid-sized companies right now.  They are keen to make new hires to give them the capacity to seize opportunities they can see.”

“For the last few years larger firms have generally been the most active hirers. While big companies are still adding to their headcount, they have been overtaken as the most active hirers.”

Tang pointed out that a role with a medium-sized firm may be a good career move.

“Medium-sized companies are successful companies with potential to grow more.   Employees are often given a wider range of responsibilities within the company and can be promoted quickly if they perform,” she explained.

Image: Shutterstock