Tanking economy means job vacancies are easier to fill: recruiter

The economic slowdown has made life easier for at least one segment of Alberta's population — job recruiters.

Many employers say vacancies are easier to fill, even in sectors like the trades, which have been desperate for workers for years.

"There are better candidates available today than … a year ago. It was very difficult recruiting and hiring people in 2007 just because it was very tight. The economy's backed off a bit and there's an opportunity to hire some really good people," said Gerald Clark, who recruits for Clark Construction.

He said in November 2007, he had approximately 25 vacancies, but this year he has only about six, and that means he can be more selective.

"Right now, we're seeing really good candidates come to our door. We're seeing resumes that we haven't seen for five years," Clark said. "We're hiring Canadians that have gone down to the [United] States. They're back looking for work [and] they've got great experience."

Herenia Castillo, a recruiter with Lakeside Packers in Brooks, said she's also seeing more candidates.

"We have found so many people. They have come to us and they are willing to work for us," she said. "They are even willing to relocate."

Last month, Edmonton's unemployment rate was 3.4 per cent and Calgary's was 3.8, while the national unemployment rate came in at 6.2 per cent.