Welcome to 2019!

As we draw ourselves away from the beach and BBQs, we turn our focus to the year ahead and consider some of the employment and recruitment trends we are likely to see in 2019. Here are our top picks:

Social-centricity

2018 saw many creative agencies re-configure planning departments and creative teams to ensure a “social-first” approach. Social media skills across strategy, content development, and analytics were in high demand and we expect this trend to continue in 2019. Agencies will adjust team structures, collaborate with social platforms and create hiring demand in this area to ensure innovative prowess in this space. We may also see new specialist roles emerge in the customer messaging, AI and chatbot space.

#metoo continues to have impact

The #metoo movement which put a spotlight on sexual harassment and inequality in the workplace continues to have impact in the industry and we will have more sophisticated discussions in this area as agencies and businesses sharpen their HR practices and taking greater responsibility in protecting employees. In 2018, there was a rise in sexual harassment complaints with victims more likely to speak up.

Scarcity of international talent

In 2018 we saw the impact of government changes to the 457 Visa’s hit the marketing and advertising industry as it became harder for international talent to find short stay contract work and sponsorship arrangements. This has stemmed the flow of international talent particularly from the UK who have historically been a ready source of talent in account service, digital and strategic roles.

Change of government.

A Federal election this year may herald a change of government to Labor and some of the key themes in industrial relations proposed by Labor include - clarifying the position on permanent and casual workers and a review of legislation that impacts the gig economy. Last year Fair Work Commission concluded that a Foodora worker was an employee - so we can expect to see more discussion that defines and clarifies this type of work. 

Areas of demand in advertising and marketing roles

This year we predict that candidates with strategic social and content skills will be in demand by creative agencies. Data Scientists continue to remain in demand as more and more agencies see analytics as an integral part of their offering. Across agency and client side marketing roles there will be demand for candidates with strong skills in areas of customer data, analytics and digital performance. Account service candidates will need to continue to gain skills in digital and social as these skills are no longer seen as “specialist” skills.

If you are thinking about your skills in relation to the employment market or would like to chat about your career this year, feel free to give us a call to have a confidential chat. We’d be happy to support you in decision-making or give insight into current trends of demand.

Wishing you a safe and successful 2019!