Newsletter Archive - HR / Personnel
What does the job market hold for 2010?
02/04/2010 - By Robert Hawthorne, President/CEO - Hawthorne Executive Search
If you looked strictly at the unemployment rate, you would think that this would be a terrible time to look for a job. While certain sectors, namely real estate, finance, manufacturing and a few others have been ravaged over the past year and a half, many other sectors are holding their own.
What do we think this year holds for professionals in local search, Yellow Pages and media in general? We are cautiously optimistic, but with some huge caveats. We are working with a number of publishers that are looking to hire sales reps, account managers, sales managers and a host of other positions. That is the good news. Below are the caveats:
- The salaries might not be to your liking. Salaries are down a solid 10-15% on average on all jobs we are working on versus 2008 peak levels. Companies that had to pay a premium when unemployment was at 4-5%, now have made adjustments to reflect our double digit unemployment.
- Relocation money is NOT happening. If you want a job in Atlanta, you may get an offer if you live in Charlotte, but most companies aren't paying for you to get there with so many attractive candidates on the market. There are a few exceptions, but the days of companies buying houses and paying for full move packages may not be coming back, even for executive level positions.
- Online is king. If you have SEO/SEM background, or have sold mobile advertising for an example, there are many companies looking for your skill set. There is still activity in traditional media, but more and more, we see the jobs in the online sector.
We are constantly asked how candidates can successfully position themselves in a crowded landscape. If you follow these golden rules, you will have a better chance for success:
- Know that there are a half dozen or more good candidates for every good position. Don't overestimate your value in the current climate. The first job offer you get may be your best option, even if it doesn't fit 100% of your wish list.
- Networking is more important than ever. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other social networking entities offer you the chance to reach people you might normally not have access to. We monitor all of those sites.
- If you are in sales, and a job offers draw vs. commission, or straight commission, don't turn your nose up at it. If you are a front line sales person, is it better to sit on the sidelines waiting for a big base salary when you could be out there selling and making money. It is not unusually for reps selling just traditional print Yellow Pages to be earning $70k per year. That's not a bad living in this economy.
- Details count. Come fully loaded with brag books, reference letters and know everything you can possibly get your hands on regarding the company and job you are interviewing for and with.
- Clean up that resume. For some suggestions – go here: http://bit.ly/c1zI4f
- Interview smart. Show up properly dressed for the job, not in flip-flops and shorts like one of our candidates did. For more suggestions, try this blog entry: http://bit.ly/b5KAJX
About Hawthorne Executive Search
Hawthorne Executive Search, is a full service search and consultancy focused on the advertising, publishing and media industries. With decades of experience, Hawthorne Executive Search is an executive search and management firm that has assisted companies of all sizes in the recruitment and selection of top talent across North America and beyond. Every assignment managed by our firm includes the involvement of a principal, experienced in helping clients build high performance management teams.
With contacts on all levels of the organizational chart, from the senior management or "C" level, to field sales representatives and account executives, we have a database of over 35,000 professionals.
By focusing strictly on one industry, there isn't a search outside of our comfort zone. We are able to execute most projects within 2-3 weeks from inception. Some examples of successfully completed searches include:
- Media/Account Executives both print and online
- Regional Sales Manager
- Senior Vice President of Client Services
- Production Manager
- National Account Manager
- Vice President of Sales
- Vice President of Business Development
- Account Supervisor
- Media Planner
- Managing Director
Our clients include publishers, both independent and incumbent, CMRs, Internet Yellow Pages and Search Engine Optimization firms, and suppliers to the directory industry.
With a commitment to the Yellow Page industry, our specialization enables us to maintain a 95% completion rate for all engaged projects we undertake.
Please feel free to contact us at:
- Jenny Ciappa - 973-220-7272
- Robert Hawthorne - 910-798-1800