The hunt is on for good quality candidates and is the main talking point for recruiters and clients alike. The candidate market is the tightest it has been for many years which is leading to a boom for a top level recruiters & headhunters, but it's proving to be a tough time for clients trying to fill urgent vacancies.

During these changing market conditions candidates are in a very strong position to negotiate above market salary packages, and it's an important time for employers who have to keep a watchful eye on retaining top talent on their teams.

Preferred Supplier Agreements tend to melt down in this type of market because whilst in a candidate rich market you can negotiate competitive rates for recruiter fees, in a tight candidate market, relationships with boutique recruitments firm that have access to top candidates in specialized areas are critical to any successful talent management program and approach.

The Sydney Morning Herald Employment Forecast March 2005 - May 2005 confirms that robust job growth has delivered Australia with low unemployment, but in doing so has created skills shortages and difficulties for recruiters & employers to find suitably qualified candidates for new jobs. The skills shortages could threaten economic growth in 2005 and a very strong job market highlights the risk of higher wages and price inflation. Visit mycareer.com.au for the online version of the SMH Employment forecast.

Ken Patteson has joined the Amazing Results team and will be working from our Sydney & Melbourne offices. Ken is our new Principal for Property, Retail, Insurance & Finance, Motor Industry, Licensing / Franchise, Travel / Hospitality, and Not-for-Profit organisations.

Ken has been a successful leader of national and global corporations for over 20 years, with particular expertise in property development and consultancy, national retail chains and the travel and hospitality industry. Additionally, he has an extensive history within the Asia-Pacific and Australian not-for- profit area, giving him an excellent understanding of the requirements, responsibilities and constraints which concern these organisations.

High profile organisations Ken has worked for include Hertz International, Mobil Quix, Legal & General, The Salvation Army and Colliers Jardine. Ken cites creation and communication of a compelling vision, strategy development and implementation, and most importantly hiring the right people as crucial factors for all organisations looking to gain a competitive advantage.