We are already well into the second half of 2009, a year that has been difficult economically to say the least. Despite the media trying its best to frighten all and sundry, there are positive signs and surely the recession has bottomed out, and as Yazz used to scream through the 80’s, the only way is up!
Job opportunities have fallen on average by around 13% this year, compared to last, and is the lowest since 2005, when I’m pretty sure we were not in recession! Despite the doom and gloom there are some great opportunities out there, but you will find that the competition for these roles has greatly increased. I mentioned on Twitter recently (@DigitalRec) that a snapshot of the current state of the digital media recruitment market could be that the experienced have options, but candidates with potential have been hung out to dry. Not too many people disagreed with this.
The problem is that no one is taking a gamble on a candidate, you really need to be a perfect match both technically and culturally. Potential is great, but companies need instant results in a tough financial climate. Anyone out of work, or looking to be re-positioned elsewhere, has to look at every brief as an opportunity – can you be the “star” candidate? Unfortunately though you could be the star the client is looking for, and find out that the role has been put on hold until next January! This is the unpredictability of recruitment in 2009.
The good news is that reports suggest a recent upturn in adverts placed online, hopefully an indication of better times to come. I think this has been helped by everyone noting the financial implications of the current economy and some sense now being applied to salaries and agency fees. Opportunities will continue to be there for the taking, some businesses are down to the bare bones and to trade successfully will need to reinvest in staff, digital agencies are picking up new clients and need the talent to service new brands and new innovations mean new skills will be sought – the cycle will go on.
To conclude, please find below expected average salaries for key positions within the digital market at this time. Analysis from Digital Personnel records, average salaries from across the UK.
|
Job Title/Responsibility |
Average Salary Per Annum
|
|
Account Director |
£52,000 |
|
Account Manager |
£34,000 |
|
Account Executive |
£26,000 |
|
Analysis/Insight |
£46,000 |
|
Business Development |
£37,000 |
|
Copywriter |
£32,000 |
|
Creative Director |
£61,000 |
|
Group Account Director / CSD |
£64,000 |
|
Head of Online |
£55,000 |
|
IA/UE |
£55,000 |
|
Online Marketing Manager |
£40,000 |
|
Planner / Buyer |
£28,000 |
|
Producer |
£46,000 |
|
Project Manager |
£41,000 |
|
Product / Merchandising Manager |
£44,000 |
|
Search (PPC/SEO) |
£33,000 |
|
Traffic Manager |
£38,000 |
|
Web Designer Snr |
£37,000 |
|
Web Designer Mid |
£30,000 |
|
Web Designer Jnr |
£26,000 |
|
Web Developer Snr |
£41,000 |
|
Web Developer Mid |
£33,000 |
|
Web Developer Jnr |
£25,000 |
Ashley Seddon
ashley.seddon@digitalpersonnel.co.uk