Struggling to Seal the Deal

Survey: Companies More Willing to Negotiate Salaries for Top Candidates –If They Can Find Them

TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2015 /CNW/ - Companies today are more willing to negotiate salary when hiring skilled job candidates compared to one year ago. In a survey from global staffing firm Robert Half, 33 per cent of chief financial officers (CFOs) said they are more open to negotiate starting pay; only 10 per cent are less willing.

The trick is finding the talent, CFOs say. More than half of executives surveyed, 55 per cent, cited at least some difficulty finding applicants with the requisite skills.

The survey was developed by Robert Half, the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm, and conducted by an independent research firm. The survey is based on interviews with more than 270 CFOs at companies across Canada.

CFOs were asked, "Compared to 12 months ago, how willing are you to negotiate salary with top job candidates?" Their responses:

CFOs were also asked, "In general, how challenging is it for your company to find skilled candidates for professional-level positions today?" Their responses:

In a separate question, the vast majority of CFOs (86 per cent) also said they are at least somewhat confident in their company's prospects for growth in the next six months.

"Employers are faced with intensified competition for candidates; who often receive attractive offers from multiple prospective employers. Simply put, there is a shortage of people with the skills that are in demand," said Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, International Staffing Operations. "With this in mind, companies need to invest in best-practice hiring processes and focus on retaining their top performers to be well-equipped for future growth."

When discussing the best way companies can find and attract skilled talent Scileppi added, "Companies should leverage their internal and external networks to find talent and be prepared to offer highly attractive compensation packages that exceed their competition."

About Robert Half
Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The company has more than 340 staffing locations worldwide and offers online job search services on its divisional websites, all of which can be accessed at roberthalf.com.

For more insights on current hiring and compensation trends, download the 2015 Salary Guides from Robert Half. Additional career and management advice is available on the Robert Half blog and for workplace news and trends follow www.twitter.com/RobertHalf_CAN.

SOURCE Robert Half Finance & Accounting