'Brighter job outlook for Q1, 2012'

The job market outlook in Malaysia in the first quarter (Q1) of 2012 has improved compared with the preceding quarter, with companies continuing to hire talents despite global economic uncertainties, says JobStreet.com Country Manager Chook Yuh Yng.

According to its latest Job Outlook Index for Q1, she said 43 per cent has forecasted job outlook to be slightly better while 29 per cent said it would remain the same as Q1 last year.

She said eventhough the survey on national economy showed 31 per cent of employees expected the economy to slow down, job advertisement numbers on JobStreet.com is still quite high.

"There are about 27,000 jobs available for Malaysians on JobStreet.com with 30,000 active hiring companies," she told reporters after the opening ceremony of the 13th JobStreet.com Malaysia Career and Training fair 2012 here today.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan.

On hiring activities, Chook said 44 per cent of the respondents would be hiring fewer people and replacing or filling essential positions only in the next 12 months.

"Another 25 per cent will be maintaining the hiring rate while 23 per cent said their companies will be expanding their businesses, hence hiring more people," she added.

Currently, the highest hiring sectors are manufacturing, information communication and technology, construction/property, banking and financial services and wholesale and retail.

The survey, which was undertaken every quarter, covered a total of 1,111 JobStreet.com clients, managers and senior managers across various industries.

Among its other initiatives to help improve the employment environment here is launching of testimonial campaign to reach out to more jobseekers.

Apart from that, JobStreet.com also launched its latest iPhone application service called "Jobs Near Me" today, which enabled jobseekers to find jobs at their ideal work location with just a shake of their phone. -- Bernama