According to the PageGroup Job Confidence Index for Q4 2018, Swiss candidates’ overall confidence about their professional future reached 58% in Q4. This is the highest level since the Index began in 2014.

The Index also found that 52% of candidates across Switzerland said they were confident about finding a job within three months. This is an increase of 18% between Q3 (July – September 2018) and Q4 (October – December 2018), a record level of growth.

Confidence in jobseekers’ ability to find a new job within three months was significantly higher in the Suisse Romande (60%) than in the German speaking region of Switzerland (40%).

According to Jérôme Bouin, Managing Director of PageGroup Switzerland, the prospects for job seekers have improved significantly between January 2018 and January 2019, with almost 20% year-on-year growth in advertised jobs. In addition, their expectations have changed with 75% of candidates willing to consider temporary or interim placements.

"Given the continued strong growth in advertised jobs and a record low unemployment rate of 2.6%, attracting and retaining talent will be a challenge for employers in 2019,” Bouin said. “It is therefore important for employers to offer items which will attract top candidates and to consider temporary, interim and permanent employment options.”

Meanwhile, the Index also found that jobseekers cited a positive work environment, work life balance and access to training as the top items that they sought in their next career move.