Canadians joining the labour market this year will find plenty of opportunities available to them, according to a Robert Half report.

Overall, 64 per cent of companies said they plan to hire entry-level professionals, individuals with 0-2 years of experience, in the first half of 2024.

This is true for 65 per cent of both large and mid-sized companies, and for 55 per cent of small employers.

More than half (54 per cent) of employers plan to hire workers in the first six months of this year, according to a previous Robert Half survey.

Which profession has the highest demand in Canada?

For employers hiring entry-level workers, 66 per cent are on the hunt for human resources professionals, according to Robert Half’s surveys of more than 1,094 managers with hiring responsibilities and 609 professionals across Canada, conducted from November to March 2024. 

The other most in demand professions, according to the new Robert Half report, are:

• administrative and customer support (70 per cent)
• legal (67 per cent)
• marketing and creative (66 per cent)
• technology (57 per cent)
• finance and accounting (56 per cent)

Biggest challenges to starting new job

However, life is not easy for entry-level hires, finds another Robert Half survey.

Nearly two in five (39 per cent) report not feeling well compensated. About a third also say they do not have an assigned mentor (34 per cent), and 33 per cent cite a lack of training for key tasks.

According to Robert Half, the HR assistant position has a competitive average starting salary, ranging from $49,000 to $55,000 annually.

The following entry-level positions also have strong average starting salaries:

• financial reporting accountant - $68,000 – $80,750
• marketing coordinator - $50,750 – $61,500
• help Desk Support (Tier 1) - $47,000 – $56,500
• administrative assistant - $45,500 – $49,500
• law clerk (with 0 to 3 years of work experience) - $40,500 – $48,000

According to an Express Employment Professionals report published in October 2023, 71% of hiring decision-makers report that there are more older workers applying for entry level positions than three years ago.

Effective recruitment strategies in 2024

Here are 10 effective recruitment strategies in 2024, business owner Kimberlee Leonard shares via Forbes Advisor:

1. Define your corporate brand.
2. Treat candidates as customers.
3. Use social media in a targeted way.
4. Have job ads that reflect your company.
5. Start an employee referral program.
6. Get an applicant tracking system.
7. Utilize niche job boards.
8. Make interviews engaging by asking for applicants questions and feedback.
9. Use recruiting videos.
10. Reach out to past applicants.

About half of hiring managers are worried about job posting scams in Canada, according to a previous Express Employment Professionals report.