Positive job prospects

The feeling within the FM market, both from clients and candidates, is more positive than before, says Yates.

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As an experienced recruiter within facilities management in both the UK and GCC I am often asked what the market is really like, if things really are picking up in the UAE, and who is actually recruiting.

In today’s changeable market this has been a difficult one to answer, despite talking to as many facilities management professionals within the region as I can.

During the last 18 months my response has been mixed, trying to maintain a balance between being positive and being realistic. I always maintain there is a job out there for everyone – with the varied nature of facilities management I am sure there is, but when times are hard even FM, contrary to popular belief, is not recession proof.

Six months into 2010 and I feel confident enough to say yes, things are picking up, and the feeling within the FM market from both clients and candidates is more positive than it has been since November 2008. Clients are approaching me, telling me about newly awarded contracts, wanting to recruit and although there is not the volume we experienced before the ‘crash’ opportunities are definitely out there.

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The market today, is such that there is greater demand for quality. There are jobs, but the market is more focused on quality rather than simply numbers on seats. It is now apparent that clients are willing to invest time and money into recruiting the right people.

Having specialised in the recruitment of facilities management in London and Dubai, the emphasis was always on the environmental and personality ‘fit,’ as much as the skills and qualifications of the candidate.

I understand and encourage this way of recruiting and how important this is within facilities management. Good recruitment will always add value to a contract or bid should you get it right.

The UK requirement was always to endeavour to meet and screen candidates thoroughly before presenting their details to any prospective client – something international recruiters do not, or cannot, always do.

The UAE is swiftly moving in this direction, clients are becoming very specific and more demanding of their recruiters to make every placement very specific and each new recruit count.

Now that the market is beginning to see recovery and the promise that the UAE and the rest of the GCC will be the biggest market globally for facilities management, understanding how to recruit is crucial to the success of the industry moving forward.

Success for clients and candidates involves a good working relationship with recruiters, making sure they understand your business and the type of candidates (personality, skill sets) and jobs you are looking for.

A positive and engaging working relationship with your recruiter, whether you are a facilities manager or you are recruiting a facilities manager, will always result in a more efficient and effective recruitment drive – resulting in the right job, for the right candidate every time.

About Léonie Yates
Léonie Yates is a senior recruiter for Hays Construction & Property, focusing on facilities and property management recruitment. She moved to Dubai November 2008 to recruit specifically for the increasing FM sector and has recently re-joined Hays Construction and Property, where she continues to be the FM specialist recruiter.