As we enter 2018 we are excited about the year ahead. The last half of 2017 was a strong market and we expect this to continue into this year with strong employment and business investment, as well as major pitch results coming through at the start of the year. We’ve also seen demand for specialist strong talent in the CRM, CX and Data fields as many clients look to harness the power of data and creativity. This year we believe the following key trends will be in focus for many of our clients in the year ahead.

Here are our top three recruitment trends for the year ahead.

1. Rise of CX/CRM teams across creative agencies.

In the second half of 2017 we saw an increase in demand for specialist Customer Experience roles and we expect this to continue in 2018 as creative agencies restructure account service and planning departments to incorporate this vital client offering – with CX strategists, CRM marketers and data analysts. Talent with analytical skills and creative aptitude are in high demand.

2. Experience over training.

Experience matters. The work place has changed so rapidly over the last 2-3 years that practical experience across agile ways of working, data and customer journeys offers considerable opportunity for candidates. Whilst qualifications remain important – vital skills that can only be learnt “on the job” has become increasingly valuable.

3. Gender diversity and workplace flexibility.

One of the most significant shifts in 2017 was the focus on gender equality and workplace flexibility to support more women in the industry. Many organisations are taking positive steps to address gender imbalance and recognizing the organizational benefits of a diverse workplace. We are seeing an open mindedness around flexible work more investment in talent retention programs.