Online vacancies for professionals in France fell in July 2012 when compared to a year ago with the HR, Sale and marketing and IT sectors leading the plunge; the French Association for the Employment of Professionals (Association Pour l’Emploi des Cadres, APEC) reports.

The APEC index follows the number of French vacancies for professionals posted on the most relevant job boards every month. The index dropped by -18 points in July 2012 when compared with July 2011. Roles in the HR sector saw their index value fall by -41 points; while Sales and marketing lost -28 points, and roles in the IT sector -22 points. Roles in the health and social care and Art and entertainment sectors, albeit in relatively low numbers, continue to grow sharply (+38 points).

Based on professional vacancies posted on the APEC website only, the number of vacancies increased by +23% in July 2012, compared to July last year. Vacancies in the Industrial production and Construction sectors, which make up 7% of all vacancies posted on the APEC website, recorded the strongest growth +32%, followed by Technical Services, 9% of all vacancies on the APEC website and Research and development, 15% of vacancies on the APEC website, both grew +29%.

Interestingly, the APEC partly explains the sharp rise in vacancies on its website for the Industrial production and Construction sectors to multiple postings for the same jobs as employers struggle to find talent.

Although this monthly APEC report would suggest hiring trends in France for professionals and managers are on the decline, an article published online by l’Usine Nouvelle point out the index value of 261 for the overall market is nevertheless a five year high.

To read the APEC press release in French language, click here.