By what percentage has the number of job-hunters increased in the last 12 months? “Probably by 15-20 percent I would say, the majority being people who have been made or are about to be made redundant,” says David Ash, managing director, McGregor Stevens. “People are less keen to change companies, especially when they are in a role they find fulfilling, which might result in fewer candidates than usual, as people are not looking to make big career moves at the moment. Some people might be worried that “last in first out” still applies to companies when they are hiring. Even when there has been a concrete opportunity, people are often hesitant about taking on the uncertainties of a move and are choosing to stay where they are,” responds Oonagh Grace, agent, media, Aquent Are there any statistics about the job situation in the broadcast/media industry, and how it’s faring compared to other industries? “We are not able to provide any statistics, but in general the job situation is fairly static. We’ve seen some trimming of positions in the senior levels and some recruitment for junior positions,” explains Lelia Lim-Loges, client partner, industrial and consumer markets, Korn/Ferry International. Adds Aquent’s Grace, “Given the number of roles in the market, on the surface it looks like the broadcast industry has been doing better than others. Clearly, however, there have been some job losses, but if you look at the continued rise of digital and alternative media platforms such as mobile and IPTV, and the number of revenue-generating roles that come with the launch of new channels, for example, there has been activity in broadcast hiring.” Which jobs have been more vulnerable than others? Replies Ash, “We have no hard stats but all the media sectors are hit essentially by falling ad revenues. Sales and marketing is the main area (of vulnerability), production and technical areas are stable.” Korn/Ferry’s Lim tends to agree, “Ad sales and digital media related roles are more vulnerable particularly since consumer goods companies are decreasing their advertising budgets.” In terms of the scale of lay-offs, Lim says companies are probably laying-off around 20 percent of their workforce to protect margins. “There have been well-publicized layoffs throughout the year in broadcast as in other industries. Some positions, such as non-revenue generating roles may have been put on hold or perhaps filled only as second priority,” adds Grace. Are we seeing much ‘acting up’? (When junior staff are asked to assume responsibilities senior to their role). Says Lim, “In areas where senior levels have been laid off, middle managers are under increased pressure to take on a more work from departing seniors.” Agrees Ash, “Yes! But that’s actually fairly normal in tighter times. The main grouse being that they are doing senior work but getting junior money or promises of promotion getting yanked at a later date.” In which areas are companies hiring? Responds Korn/Ferry’s Lim, “In media, mainly programming and acquisitions. In the current environment where people are watching more TV, programming is important to ensure continued customer loyalty. There’s also more competition from the network operator side and hence programming needs to be creative and aggressive in competing for viewers.” Are any companies hiring for growth or are they mainly hiring to fill existing vacant positions? Ash says, “I think the perception is that things are easing but ad revenue is still hard to come by so they are growing sales teams. However there are positions to fill that have been open for a while as companies just being picky who to hire.” Lim feels that smaller companies and those offering niche genres are continuing to hire for growth. “Some broadcasters are hiring for change and growth: new channels, new platforms (IPTV, mobile), new corporate structures. Others are only hiring now to fill vacant roles. The aim of many broadcast companies is to look a lot tighter and more streamlined than 12 months’ ago,” says Grace. What are the most sought-after skill sets or specialisations at the current time? And the least? Aquent’s Grace comments, “Integrated sales skills are highly valued, and a candidate who can sell TV, online and mobile, for example, is likely to get further in today’s market. Also niche skills that can support growth, such as affiliate sales and affiliate marketing are needed.” Says Lim, “Programming is the most sought after and conversely HR as support functions are not necessarily viewed as business partners in media companies.” So what can job-hunters do to make themselves more employable at the current time? Lim’s advice: “Stay current with industry developments and contact points. Continue to remain in Asia, particularly the big media hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore.” “Focus on what is new in the industry to educate yourself and improve your skill sets. Actively seek out opportunities that get you experience across more than one part of the business. This will make you a more valuable and integrated player in your own organisation, and position you to move when the time is right. Keep up to date with the changes in the industry, especially from a regional and global perspective, via the trade magazines and websites: broadcasters value it when you can approach an interview with a well-informed point of view on the whole industry rather than just talk about the role you are interviewing for,” advises Grace. “It’s been a tough 18 months, but this is an industry where there is growth, competition and change ahead. This is a good time to be in broadcast, an industry that tends to be fuelled by creativity and passion, and if you are able to bide your time, there are some great roles opening up.” Concludes Korn/Ferry’sLim, “The financial crisis has dampened spirits and investments but is by no basis, crippling. Companies are looking to Asia to continue being the business drivers for investments tomorrow. We would advise job hunters to stay relevant and engaged with the changes organisations have introduced to measure ROI and people performance. Read and network extensively and be adaptable.”
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