Job market just won't cool off
By Lisa van der Pool -- Purchasing, 10/21/1999 2:00:00 AM
Hiring levels are continuing at break-neck speed in the fourth quarter. According to the Employment Outlook Survey, conducted quarterly by Manpower Inc., "A steady level of hiring activity that has persisted longer than any trend seen in 20 years will continue at least to the end of 1999."
Though results of the Manpower survey indicate that 30% of about 16,000 companies interviewed plan to increase hiring, which is a drop from the 32% in the third quarter that said they would increase employment. But this does not bode badly for job seekers. "The year-end quarter is normally a less active employment period and when the impact of seasonal variation is removed, prospects for job seekers are actually improved from the third quarter," according to Manpower.
Improvement of skills a must
Emery J. Zobro, president of the John Michael Personnel Group of Chatanooga, Tenn., agrees with the survey but also cautions job seekers. "Most people you talk to will give you a rosy response--but mine is tempered," he says. "For purchasing professionals looking for jobs, the marketplace is not the same for everybody--it all depends on what the person brings to the table." Zobro goes on to say, "Employers are still being picky. They are heightening their qualifications and expectations. The individual who has a proven track record and has done their best to become certified and update their skills will do the best at finding their ideal job."
Jean Howell, president and owner of Fortune Personnel Consultants of the Virginia Highlands, concurs. "The job market is very active--unemployment is so low that demand will exceed supply. It has become more difficult for employers to fill every position with a top-qualified candidate."
Howell has a few suggestions for purchasing professionals who would like to change jobs. "Purchasing professionals should keep their skill sets at an optimum level and attend seminars that improve skills. A materials or purchasing degree is very important--and more and more, MBAs are preferred."
All levels see continued hiring
Jean Howell sees the most hiring going on in the lower to middle levels of purchasing. "Important decision-making is being pushed to the lower levels, and they are assuming greater responsibility. Consequently, they get moved up quickly, so there is constant demand in those areas."
"This has been a unique year," say Zobro. "Typically most positions available are at senior-buyer level--but this year we've placed more directors and senior managers right through to vice presidents."
More progressive purchasing
Purchasing no longer is sitting in the passenger's seat when it comes to a company's important decision-making. According to Howell, "Purchasing has become central to all business systems because of its direct contribution to the bottom line. Purchasing departments today are responsible to sell their contributions and capabilities--they are proactive instead of reactive as they were in the past."
"Companies currently view their purchasing departments as being leaders in quality management," adds Zobro. "Prior to 1996 this was not always the case."
Areas to watch
The resilient Midwest still is extremely active when it comes to hiring, but some new areas are seeing renewed activity as well.
"The lower Midwest is the hottest in terms of hiring activity right now," says Zobro. "There is also more hiring in the Northeast than ever before."
"The Midwest and Mid-Atlantic areas of the country are very active right now," says Howell.
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