Bay Area Job Market Off To A Robust Start In The New Year

Feb 1, 2017: SUNNYVALE, CA (February 01, 2017) – The first quarter of 2017 is creating a promising tone for the rest of the year, with unemployment claims consistently decreasing, and opportunities continuing to grow.

West Valley Staffing Group (WVSG) surveys a wide variety of Silicon Valley hiring managers each quarter about their upcoming hiring needs. These decision-makers come from a wide array of industries, including but not limited to high tech, automotive, manufacturing, electronics, finance, semiconductor, medical, aerospace, alternative energy. Each participant is asked to forecast their hiring trends for the quarter, predicting whether their needs would remain consistent, increase, or decrease. This survey is unique and exclusive to Silicon Valley!

Over one thousand company representatives were surveyed this quarter, with 92% predicting a hiring increase or expecting to remain steady during the first quarter of 2017. Only 8% of hiring managers expect their hiring needs to decrease.

“How a year starts can dictate the tone of that entire year,” said Charlie Allport, Executive Vice President of WVSG, “seeing 2017 start on such a positive note, with growth occurring across various industries and the workforce thriving, instills hope for what is ahead.”

According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), “California’s unemployment rate fell to 5.2 percent, and the state’s employers added 3,700 jobs in December.”

California’s workforce ended last year strong, with annual unemployment rates down from the prior year. Based on the first month, 2017 seems to be continuing on the same trajectory of progress and prosperity. This trend illustrates the overall strength and resiliency of Californian industries and employers, as well as the dedication of the state’s workforce.

For additional information about the economic data above, or to participate in future Silicon Valley Economic Surveys, call us at 408.735.1420, or visit us online at www.westvalley.com.

West Valley Staffing Group (WVSG), an independent and privately owned staffing agency, brings nearly 50 years of experience providing comprehensive staffing solutions - through four specialty companies. Established in 1968 as West Valley Engineering, the company was one of the first in the valley to offer temporary technical services to Silicon Valley companies. In 1984, Prostar Staffing was founded to provide clerical and administrative personnel to the growing number of companies in the area. In 1995, West Valley Technology and Accountants Now! were founded to satisfy the demand for specialized information technology and accounting professionals, respectively. Today, all four specialty companies fall under the umbrella organization, WVSG, which has offices in Sunnyvale, Pleasanton, and beyond.

If you would like more information, or to schedule an interview with the President and CEO of WVSG, Mike Williams, please contact Mary Tran at mtran@westvalley.com.

West Valley Staffing Group conducts extensive research on hiring and employment trends through our ongoing surveys of executives and hiring managers. Please contact Mary Tran for more information:

West Valley Staffing Group
390 Potrero Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Media Contact: Mary Tran
(408) 735-1420 ext. 3023
mtran@westvalley.com