In today’s episode, we’ll explore the functions that are experiencing high demand in the job market halfway through 2023. It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the year. Time flies, especially as we get older. But let’s dive into the exciting world of hiring and job opportunities.
Before we begin, I want to let you know that your comments and questions are always welcome. Whether they’re related to today’s topic or any other career-related concerns you may have, feel free to share them in the comments section below. I’ll be more than happy to address them during this episode.
To gather insights for today’s discussion, I decided to go beyond my own intuition. I reached out to experts, including hiring authorities and executive recruiters, not just in Canada but from around the world. Their input adds a valuable perspective to the information I’ve gathered from my clients and network. The research was extensive, and the consensus among these professionals is fascinating.
Let’s start by addressing an important point. Hiring and recruitment are currently at their peak, at least from my experience and the feedback I received. This applies globally, regardless of location or industry. So, while we explore specific functions, keep in mind that hiring is hot across the board. Whether you’re considering a job search, aiming for a promotion, a lateral move, or a transition to another industry, the current hiring landscape provides ample opportunities. It’s an excellent time to leverage the job market and pursue your career goals.
However, it’s crucial to note that as you climb the corporate ladder, the competition becomes fiercer. So, to maximize your chances, ensure you have a dynamic LinkedIn profile and an outstanding, performance-driven resume or CV. Take the time to fine-tune your marketing collateral before embarking on a job search. Make a lasting impression that wows potential employers. If you have any questions or need guidance in this area, please feel free to ask them in the comments section. I’ll address them as we proceed with today’s “Tuesdays at Two” episode.
Now, let’s delve into the functions that are currently in high demand. Please bear in mind that the following list is not exhaustive and may vary depending on geographical factors. However, these functions have consistently emerged as hot hiring areas according to my research and discussions.
1. Information Technology (IT): From Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to senior managers in IT and various support functions within the field, IT roles are in high demand. Despite recent layoffs in prominent IT companies like Google, the overall IT sector remains a thriving source of employment opportunities.
2. Supply Chain: Supply chain management continues to face challenges worldwide, and the situation has only been exacerbated by the recent disruptions caused by events like COVID-19. As a result, supply chain professionals, including senior managers, are highly sought after to address the ongoing complexities and ensure efficient operations.
3. Sales: Sales functions are always in demand, regardless of the economic climate. A strong sales team is vital for companies to generate revenue and thrive, especially during challenging times. Whether it’s business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), or other sales roles, this function consistently offers robust job prospects.
4. Procurement: The importance of procurement has become increasingly evident, leading to a surge in demand for procurement professionals. I’ve recently worked with leaders in this field, such as Chief Procurement Officers, Vice Presidents, and Directors, who have received multiple interview opportunities. Procurement is a specific function that holds great potential.
5. Operations: Corporate operations play a critical role in maintaining and streamlining an organization’s infrastructure. Professionals with expertise in operations management, along with various supporting functions, are highly valued in today’s job market.
6. Marketing: The marketing landscape offers a wealth of opportunities for senior executives, including traditional and experiential marketing roles. In fact, I’ve witnessed Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) commanding high salaries and receiving multiple job offers both in the United States and the United Kingdom. Senior Vice Presidents of Marketing in Canada have also experienced similar success. Marketing positions continue to be in demand.
7. Finance: While finance is traditionally viewed as a non-revenue generating function, there is now a shortage of talented finance professionals. Good finance talent is increasingly sought after, placing finance roles higher on the list of hiring priorities.
8. Human Resources: Human resources (HR) functions fluctuate in demand, similar to finance, as they also fall into the non-revenue generating category. However, recent changes in HR roles and responsibilities have brought renewed interest to the field. HR professionals are being actively recruited, albeit at a slightly lower intensity compared to other functions.
To recap, the functions currently experiencing high demand are: IT, supply chain, sales, procurement, operations, marketing, finance, and human resources. Remember, these rankings are not fixed and can vary depending on factors such as geography and industry. However, they provide a general understanding of the current hiring landscape.
Before I conclude, let me emphasize the importance of networking. While job boards and executive recruiters have their role, the majority of opportunities are found through networking. Don’t underestimate the power of building meaningful connections in your industry. Networking can significantly enhance your chances of landing a desired position, even in today’s job market.
