Figures from the survey suggest that job movers received on average 15 to 25 percent increments in 2014 while those who stayed at their current companies received increments ranging between 6 to 8 percent. These trends look set to continue in 2015, and companies are likely to invest more in benefits, training and development to attract and retain the best talent.

Arthur Wang, managing director of Robert Walters China, says: "The recruitment market is becoming even more competitive, as foreign companies continue to enter and develop in the Chinese market while fast-growing domestic companies look to expand overseas. Candidates with international experience, local market knowledge as well as strong English and Mandarin language skills are highly sought-after by these organisations. As professionals pay more attention to their
long-term career paths, employers will need to offer opportunities for career progression in order to secure top talent in this candidate-driven market."

Other highlights include:

-- As companies look to increase profitability and manage cost, professionals who can streamline processes and improve product quality across the supply chain, manufacturing and operations functions will be in high demand

-- Internal up-skilling will continue to be a key focus for traditional internal support functions such as HR, accounting and finance. Companies are seeking professionals with strong communication skills  and commercial acumen, with the ability to add value to the business

-- Professionals with experience in digital, e-commerce and mobile will be highly sought-after as the digital sector continues to develop rapidly. Other key growth industries include automotive, healthcare, electronics and telecommunications

-- There will be an increasing demand for mid to senior-level professionals in second-tier cities, such as Suzhou and Nanjing, as these markets continue to mature and require more experienced professionals to fill management-level positions

-- New projects and investments from non-manufacturing companies, such as IT, hotels, professional services and research and development centres, will boost recruitment levels in Suzhou and Nanjing.

Source: Robert Walters