Despite frequent reports of layoffs in recent months, there is good news for most senior-level job hunters.
Demand at the top of the corporate ladder is strong throughout the U.S., with the exception of some areas within financial services, said Gary Burnison, chief executive officer of Los Angeles-based Korn/Ferry International, in a recent visit to the Wall Street Journal in New York.
The recruiting and talent-management company has seen a steadyflow of search assignments for management and executive positions in 2008 (as of September), he said.
Hiring at the senior level is strong even though the overall economy is sour because employers have a continuous need for highlyeducated, skilled workers, said Mr. Burnison. "For those individuals that attended college or have advanced degrees, their earning power is two to three timesthose who drop out of highschool," he said. "The unemployment rate is equally higher for those who did not get advanced degrees."
According to Mr. Burnison, industries with the greatest need forexperienced talent are:
Life Sciences
Health Care
industrial Manufacturing
Most executive openings are for positions in:
Marketing and Sales
Supply-Chain
Sustainability
In terms of geography, demand is strong throughout thecountry with the exception ofNew York where many financial-services firms have had to significantly trim their work forces due to mortgage-related losses, he said.
For job hunters looking to get on recruiters' radars, Mr. Burnison pointed to networking as the most effective strategy. "Work that network of friends and colleagues," he advised. "Remember that jobs go to people and people don't go to jobs."
