Workers with experience most sought

Recruiters in the Gulf say companies are looking to hire more this year. But professionals with certain levels of experience will fare better than others.

Recruitment experts across the Gulf were recently surveyed about the kinds of professionals their companies are looking to hire. Here are some additional insights.

Highest demand

Most recruiters say the strongest demand for new employees will be for those who have between four and eight years' experience, according to results from a survey conducted by Naukrigulf.com. More than 53 per cent of experts surveyed believed so. That compares with about 31 per cent who are looking for individuals with just one to three years' experience, and nearly 29 per cent who are seeking employees with eight to 15 years' expertise.

Lowest demand

Only about 18 per cent of recruiters say job demand is strongest for entry-level professionals who are looking to get into the job market, while just 10 per cent say they are mostly looking for industry veterans with at least 15 years of experience.

Strongest sectors

Retail, health care and education are the sectors with the most demand for new employees, says Tarun Aggarwal, the business head of Naukrigulf.com.

Weakest sectors

Information-technology and commercial construction.