Author: Contemporaries Team
In order to better serve our clients and candidates, Contemporaries, Inc. has created a new column titled, Ask The Experts. The series is designed to provide insight, information, and guidance on today’s most pressing staffing and job market issues.
Clients will find valuable facts, trends, and best practices for hiring, while job seekers will gain insider perspective from recruiters and industry experts on what it takes to land a position.
In today’s segment, we speak with Mary Cleary, CPC, President and CEO of the Boston-based Executive Search and Staffing Firm, Cleary Consultants, Inc. The owner brings with her extensive knowledge, insight, and expertise in the staffing industry.
With over three decades of experience, Mary Cleary is an internationally recognized authority in the search and staffing industry and frequently featured as an expert by several television programs, radio and print media such as the Boston Sunday Globe and the Boston Business Journal. She was invited to be a guest speaker and authority on the economy and business trends by Eastern Bank in conjunction with Inc. Magazine.
Mary is also the recipient of the “Aristeon Award ,” given by H.A.W.C in Washington, D.C., to prominent women internationally who portray exceptional leadership roles in their communities, the nation in terms of policy issues, as well as their professional fields of endeavor.
In addition to her professional career, Mary is highly active in public service and a tireless charity fundraiser. She has lectured for various organizations and served on several executive boards. She is the founder of a non-profit organization called AXION which was instrumental in raising and donating over $500,000 to local worthy charities.
- Can you provide us with some insights into how the local job market has changed for both clients and candidates?
For employers, hiring decisions take longer, are much slower and more selective. Companies are looking for candidates that can make an immediate impact and have direct industry experience especially for the more senior level roles. AI is affecting hiring plans. Many Boston employers are investing in AI and automation as an alternative to external hiring. In banking and finance they are more cautious based on more mergers and acquisitions.
For candidates, competition is much stronger. Senior players are staying put and afraid to leave their positions based on economic uncertainty and higher housing costs. This creates fewer opportunities for growth. There are more applicants per opening. The bottom line is that employers and candidates are more cautious moving forward with their decisions.
2. How has the Boston job market remained the same?
The Boston market still emphasizes the importance of strong relationships. This is especially true in banking, commercial lending, executive leadership, and professional services. Specialized talent is still in demand. Employers still value skills and experience. A bank hiring a CRE Team Leader still wants an existing portfolio of relationships, production history, leadership skills, market knowledge, and proven results. That hasn’t changed.
- What are the biggest challenges for clients and candidates in today’s environment?
The biggest challenge for clients has always been finding candidates with the exact experience they need which forces us to recruit directly from their competitors. They are always hesitant in making decisions due to movement in today’s market and the wrong hire leaving after a short period of time. In banking, there is always competition for top performers, especially top producers. Longer hiring process and losing good people.
For candidates, there is more competition based on large applicant pools. Employers want direct experience so there are less opportunities with minimum experience and job hoppers.
Economic uncertainty has always caused candidates to be hesitant in changing jobs even though they are unhappy.
- What advice do you have for clients hoping to hire the perfect employee?
Stop looking for perfection. It doesn’t exist!! They lose good candidates when they are looking for 100% of the job requirements. Focus on proven ability to learn and adapt. The right fit. Previous success, strong work ethic and leadership skills and a stable work history. They often lose good candidates because they are hired elsewhere based on more flexibility. It’s always important to partner with a trusted, seasoned recruiter to identify the best in the marketplace.
5. What advice do you have for job seekers trying to land a great job?
Be flexible. The perfect opportunity may be with a different title or industry than what you originally envisioned. The company is the most important factor, so research the company and let them know how you can make a difference and add value.
It’s always important to network, but the best hires are through a seasoned professional search firm that can help you along the way to land the best job opportunity.
You can find out more about Mary and Cleary Consultants here.
Hiring Talent in Boston? You can do so through our website at: https://www.bostoncontemporaries.com/clients/
Looking for Your Next Role? You can submit your resume to Contemporaries at :resumes@bostoncontemporaries.com
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