An overwhelming majority of the companies within the financial services sector believe that 2013 will be a better year than 2012 in terms of recruitment. This data is extracted from the Q1 Financial Services Recruitment Update that Randstad Financial & Professional published in January. 2013 is supposed to provide optimism throughout the industry that includes companies within investment banking, insurance and asset management.

Almost half of the polled companies believe that their biggest challenge will be achieving headcount approvals and budget sign off, according to 41.2% of the respondents. However, this result is in conflict with the response of 57% of the surveyed businesses, which feel that their headcount is going to increase. Moreover, 35% of CFOs and HR Heads believe that permanent recruitment will rise.

In addition to this belief, 38.9% of the businesses confirm that the toughest problem they will have to face is unavailability of the right candidate; making the selection processes longer. Employers are increasing skills demanded for every job position, no matter if it’s an entry level or a senior position. Furthermore, 39% of them couldn’t find the right person for the role they advertised.

The report was developed from the findings of the survey carried out by Randstad through their clients within the financial services sector last December.