According to the latest PageGroup confidence index for the period of July-September 2016, the confidence of jobseekers in Switzerland reached its highest level in 12 months on the criteria of the ability to find a job within 3 months.

The study showed that more than half of the candidates (53%) expect to be able to find a job in three months, compared to 47% in Q2 2016 and 39% in Q3 2015. This is a quarterly increase of 13 % and an increase year on year by 36%.

Candidates of French-speaking Switzerland displayed a significantly higher confidence than their German-speaking counterparts with 61% of French-speaking Swiss candidates being able to find a job in 3 months. This represents a quarterly increase (Q2 to Q3 2016) of 11% and an increase year on year of 47%. Meanwhile, 45% of job seekers in the German-speaking region are able to find a job in 3 months. This represents a quarterly increase of 13% and an increase year on year of 19%.

The study also reveals that over half (52%) of candidates expect an improvement in terms of career development at 12 months. More than two thirds (69%) expected to benefit from improved skills development opportunities in the same period. Furthermore, 60% of the Swiss job candidates are confident about the Swiss economy. However, the majority (58%) do not expect to get a salary increase over the next 12 months.

According to Xavier Chauville, Executive Director of Page Personnel "The conditions in the job market are forstering an alignment between employers and job seekers. Previously, negotiations were mostly focused on salary. At present, both sides are willing to consider other factors of the total package, including flexible work schedules and training.”