Candidates with a good command of commercial expertise are in high demand in China as companies look to boost sales amid a slowing economy, according to research from the latest Hays Quarterly Report in China.

“We find that commercial roles are in high demand as companies do their utmost to enhance their competitiveness in the market,” Simon Lance, Managing Director for Hays China, said.

Commercial professionals in sales, marketing and business development are in particular high demand as employers seek to either chase higher profitability or keep their businesses afloat.

Lance stated that candidates who can develop marketing and branding strategies and execute them amid a go-digital campaign are regarded as rare asset. Furthermore, marketing and product managers who can apply better use of Internet technologies to enhance brand awareness and spur sales are the right people companies are hunting for as a way of surviving the cutthroat competition.

The report also shows a trend in the banking sector where institutions are actively looking after capable relationship managers to bring them new clients including state-owned and privately-owned businesses.

Tax professionals who can help companies save money through good tax planning are also in high demand.