News & Trends

Recent Publications

MMC mentioned in Time Out NY as a top staffing firm

MMC Principal Melissa Brophy quoted here in article on investment banking hiring.

THE JOB MARKET: Surprises for Candidates & Companies

We enter 2010 at a much faster clip than last year and see some interesting and surprising new dynamics in the dance between employer and candidate. The good news is that the conversation is starting up again.

Companies in related industries are looking for the same candidate… seeking applicants of the same profile, level and compensation. For candidates, that means lots of opportunity in select skill sets, and little movement in others. For clients, be aware that your best candidates may have other options and may not accept as eagerly as the economic climate might suggest they would.

Currently employed candidates with that highly desirable mid-level experience are in particular demand. Employers are understandably reticent about committing to bonuses and incentives. This drives candidates to seek substantial base salary increases in order to assume the risk of a new position and job change. A current job, a known quantity, has greater value now that candidates have experienced the climate of uncertainty, despite the effects of internal salary compression and the frustration of no salary increases experienced by many. Candidates are sometimes saying "no," and clients are not used to hearing it.

Companies are filling specific positions. Many are proceeding with caution, hiring against exact profiles, and less willing to stretch a job for the candidate. Demand is high for contract or interim recruiters at all levels, with financial services and creative leading the hiring. Hourly rates are up.

Clients and candidates are entering the job market with their own perspectives, needs, and fears. Preparation, candor, empathy and flexibility will move the conversation into a meaningful, productive relationship.