Executive Search & Hiring
Job Search & Career Advice
Navigating the 2024 Communications Job Market: Insights from Our Latest AMA
4 October 2024 by Max Forsyth
In the latest Comms Coffee Club Podcast episode, we revisit a LinkedIn Live AMA session, where our Founder and Managing Director, Max Forsyth, answered questions about the current state of the communications job market in both the UK and US, providing key insights into recruitment trends, challenges, and opportunities for candidates and employers alike.
Below are the key takeaways from the session, and you can listen to the podcast episode in full here:
The Current Job Market: Tough, But Improving
The communications job market has faced its share of challenges over the last few years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In the UK and US, recruitment activity has fluctuated due to economic uncertainty and hiring freezes, but there’s good news on the horizon. According to Max, the market is gradually recovering, with more roles being posted and filled than in the previous year.
However, there’s still a need for candidates to hustle—the competition is tough, and companies are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running.
“There are plenty of communications professionals out there who’ve recently secured new roles. It’s all about persistence and making the most of your network.” – Max Forsyth
How to Stand Out in the Communications Field
In a market with hundreds of applicants for every role, how do you stand out as a communications professional? Max highlighted that it’s essential to nail the basics: a well-formatted, relevant CV that clearly communicates your experience and achievements.
However, he also suggested that candidates consider going beyond traditional approaches. Whether it’s leveraging your network, reaching out to hiring managers on LinkedIn, or showcasing your expertise through regular posts, standing out requires proactivity.
“In this market, you’ve got to roll your sleeves up and hustle. Don’t spray and pray with applications—target roles that align with your industry experience and level.” – Max Forsyth
The Difference Between External and In-House Recruiters
Another key topic discussed was the difference between working with external recruiters, like those at Comms Search & Selection, versus in-house recruiters. In-house recruiters often juggle multiple roles across various departments, so they may not always specialize in communications.
On the other hand, working with a specialized agency like ours means you’re benefiting from deep industry knowledge and a focus on communications roles, helping match candidates with the right job and the right company.
Retained vs. Contingent Recruitment: What You Should Know
Recruitment agencies typically operate on one of two models: retained or contingent. Max took the time to explain the nuances of each.
Retained Recruitment: Generally used for senior or executive-level roles, retained recruitment involves a fee paid upfront to secure dedicated attention to your search.
Contingent Recruitment: In this model, recruiters only get paid if they successfully place a candidate. While it may sound appealing from a cost perspective, contingent recruitment often means recruiters are working against the clock and may not be able to dedicate as much time to each search.
How Long is the Recruitment Process?
A key takeaway from the AMA was the length of the recruitment process, which remains a challenge on both sides of the Atlantic. Max pointed out that many recruitment processes are dragging on for two to three months, and in some cases, even longer. While the demand for highly qualified candidates is high, companies are still being cautious and looking for the "perfect" fit.
Max advised job seekers to remain patient but also to keep applying for roles and networking during the wait.
Advice for Candidates: Be Ambitious but Realistic
Many candidates wonder how to approach applying for roles that are a step up from their current position. Max encouraged ambition, stating that hiring managers often appreciate candidates who are willing to grow into a role.
However, he also noted that in the current market, employers are more likely to hire people with plug-and-play experience, especially in niche areas like communications. His advice? Target the right roles, stay within your industry, and be prepared to show how you’re ready for that next step.
The Future of Communications Recruitment
Despite some current challenges, the future of communications recruitment looks promising. Max predicted that the market will stabilize in the coming months, particularly as businesses continue to prioritize corporate communications, PR, and internal communications in response to changing economic and environmental factors.
“The curve is flattening, and we expect things to pick up again in the next quarter. Businesses are starting to recognize the importance of strategic communications as they navigate these uncertain times.” – Max Forsyth