Word on the street regarding employment is that it’s been a mixed picture in 2009 and may be a tough year in 2010.
One communicator told us that the job picture in 2009 was “bizarre” – there are available jobs at the same time other organizations are downsizing. In fact, at the ONE Party, we were told by one agency that they had were trying to fill a number of open positions, while we were aware of people who had been laid off at other agencies.
Looking to 2010, we heard there will be continued layoffs, but nothing catastrophic.
One of the biggest unknown factors is what will happen within the association community, which directly or indirectly is a major player in the communications marketplace. Will associations that have members who do not renew reduce their DC staffs or expenses – or will these association members cut back their spending by not attending association events with the consequence of reducing revenues, leading to reductions in staff and expenses.
Of note, we heard that in some areas there are more openings for more experienced communicators than for those just entering the job market. The reason is that some employers, now working with fewer employees, want to hire people who have experience. Equally, we’ve heard just the opposite, where employers have dumped higher-priced employees while retaining those who earn less.
As noted at the outset, it’s been a mixed picture. Check out our Career Center job listings to see what's available now.