The latest monthly job trends report produced by the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) has found that the on-going talent crisis in the marketing sector could be related to ageism.
APSCo reports a 21% decrease in placements compared to last year but a rising level of vacancies. While some of this is being mopped up by the use of temporary and contract staff, it does look as if talent shortages are at a critical level. This could be partly explained by the fact that many organisations are putting more emphasis on their digital strategies.
Specialists in the digital space, particularly in the areas of e-commerce and CRM are in increasingly high demand as organisations invest in digital strategies to drive business growth. However – this increasing drive to digital could be leading to a situation where the industry is progressively overlooking the value that genuine experience can provide.
Ann Swain, Chief Executive of APSCo comments:
“It’s notable that marketing and media jobs have continued to outpace the growth of other professional sectors but it is a concern that employers are finding it difficult to match this buoyant demand. The increasing importance of new delivery channels and the need for marketing professionals to command new skills to supplement traditional marketing disciplines is seen by many employers as the domain of the young”
Ann Swain, Chief Executive of APSCo comments:
“It’s notable that marketing and media jobs have continued to outpace the growth of other professional sectors but it is a concern that employers are finding it difficult to match this buoyant demand. The increasing importance of new delivery channels and the need for marketing professionals to command new skills to supplement traditional marketing disciplines is seen by many employers as the domain of the young”
Simon Bassett, Managing Director of EMR, an APSCo member and an expert in marketing recruitment says:
“As marketing activities move increasingly into a digital space, there is a misplaced belief that younger people are better placed to use the new tools on offer – but that’s simply not an accurate picture. “It appears that such rapid changes in technology have resulted in companies opting for the perceived dynamism of youth over the genuine benefits of experience using traditional marketing channels. But in many cases, older professionals are the ones who work hardest to maximise the potential of technological innovations, using their knowledge and experience to greater effect than younger professionals. After all, technology is only another tool in building a brand, communicating messages and increasing engagement – it doesn’t require companies to throw everything they know about traditional marketing channels out the window.”
Kaynak : 