2012 Jobs Outlook

Here are a few insights on marketing and advertising jobs for 2012. Monster.com reminds job seekers that so much depends upon whether companies believe consumers and businesses will have the money to buy. Economic malaise may continue to limit the growth of both agencies and corporate marketing departments.

But the New Year will have several hot spots for marketing professionals in a number of vertical and horizontal niches. Here are some of Monster.com’s picks for our profession:

1.  Interactive, SEM, SEO Jobs Will Grow
In 2012, leading-edge Internet technologies will again be a leading generator of marketing/advertising jobs. Interactive/digital marketing managers, as well as SEO and SEM specialists will see some of the highest gains.

2.  Market Researchers Wanted
Market researchers are also seeing high increases. Companies are realizing again that they have to be in touch with what customers want, and what their competitors are doing.

3. Analytics: Looking for People Good with Numbers
The marketing job market of 2012 will be good for professionals who can extract actionable meaning from the swelling tide of data generated by such things as Web analytics. Marketing departments and agencies want “people who come somewhat well-rounded, who are not afraid to wrestle numbers to the ground, but who are also able to express themselves in writing and make recommendations intelligibly.

4.  Mobile Marketing
Demand for mobile marketing skills is accelerating noticeably as companies plan for 2012. There’s a marketing-driven app for that, but only if organizations can mobilize the talent to churn out the content as well as the code.Marketing specialists who understand mobile will be highly sought-after professionals in a variety of job disciplines/titles.

MediaPost agrees with Monster.com.  They recently reported marketing professionals looking for work or to switch jobs should hone their understanding of mobile media. According to the Wanted Analytics jobs research firm, postings for marketers with mobile skill sets are up 16% in the last quarter from the same period in 2010. More than 4,400 job postings have been cited by the site in the last 90 days that include mobile marketing specifications.

5. Wanted: Events Expertise
Seeking to make a big impression on media-saturated young minds, marketing departments are turning to event marketing to make their brands and messaging pop.

6. Marketing to Growing Demographic Segments
Demographics will be another key driver of marketing/advertising careers in 2012. The rapidly growing, highly interactive Hispanic market will be a leading creator of marketing jobs.

7. Healthcare Marketing
Healthcare providers – driven by lean years to boost their higher-margin services – will commission lots of marketing work in 2012. From cosmetic surgery to six-figure heart treatments, hospitals will count on marketing experts to bring in revenue.

Read the complete Monster.com article for more details:

Our Job Bank has lots of great jobs and positions available, from a diverse group of companies and agencies looking to bring on new staff in 2012. So if you’re looking for a job, or wanting to switch your current job, don’t forget to regularly check our own AAF-KC listings.

In addition to our own listings, here are just a few links to some other job boards focusing on positions in marketing/advertising:

• The Kansas City 4As Agency Council is the only 4As regional council in the country with its own website independent to the national organization. Under "Job Opportunities," the site provides job links to all KC 4As member agencies in one handy place! 
• MediaPost features media planning, buying jobs, online, digital and social media listings, and media sales listings.
• From Adweek, AgencyScoop is networking site that offers job listings, a way to share your portfolio and more!  
• From AdAge, TalentWorks will let you post your resume, post jobs, review resumes, search jobs, provides salary tools and more!  
• Talent Zoo has all kinds of useful information for job seekers including listings for Ad Jobs, New Media Jobs, Creative Jobs, Marketing Jobs and Geek Jobs!
• Non-Profit Connect - jobs based in the non-profit sector

Sheree Johnson is a maven in all things media-related and is the Director of Business Intelligence at Meers. She also serves as the Email Communications Chair for AAF-KC and was a 2010 AAF-KC Member of the Year nominee.