Job market still up
By Lisa van der Pool -- Purchasing, 5/20/1999
Contrary to some predictions late last year that there would be an economic slump by mid-1999, the economy and in turn hiring levels have remained brisk. Hiring professionals predict only blue skies in the way of purchasing jobs for at least the next six months.Karl Zimmermann, president of Fortune Personnel Consultants in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., says, "As far as we can see, the general economic outlook is still good. There has been some concern about a possible slowdown as a result of the economic situation in other parts of the world, but in general we haven't seen that. Most companies continue to manage well, and the job market is still good."
"For the next six months the current level of hiring will be maintained," says Donna McMillan, vice president of McMillan Associates, Inc. in Florida. "Due to the fact that the unemployment rate is very low, companies will continue in the hiring mode."
Middle and lower levels hot
Recently companies have been bringing in new purchasing talent and as a result, lower levels are seeing the most hiring activity. According to McMillan, "We are seeing most of our opportunities in the lower to middle range. This is probably due to the fact that companies are rebuilding."
"We are still seeing most activity in the middle and lower organizational levels," agrees Zimmermann. "What started as 'delayering' or 'rightsizing' has continued as companies try to be leaner and more effective."
"This is good news for purchasing professionals looking to accelerate their careers, and who have good skills and qualifications that will permit them to contribute immediately," says Zimmermann. What are those qualifications? "A four-year degree is a given," says Zimmermann. "Companies look for a track record of achievement and experience in specific industries and commodities. Overseas sourcing experience and professional certifications are a significant plus."
McMillan concurs: "A four-year degree is an absolute must. A degree in technical engineering is also highly sought after, as is an MBA for a fast-track candidate."
Although the job market is excellent, hiring professionals stress that companies are being picky about candidates, and it is the highly qualified candidates who will reap the rewards of the booming hiring activity.
"The job market is competitive," says McMillan. "Companies are looking for innovators and strategic thinkers. A candidate needs to have a vision for the future." Other qualities that stand out are excellent computer and Internet skills, being a team player, and having good e-commerce skills.
Zimmermann says, "Companies have specific requirements. They are being very selective and would rather hold out for a blue chipper than lower their standards."
Managing the supply chain
The focus in purchasing departments around the country continues to be on total supply chain management. "Companies today are still continuing to look to purchasing for cost savings and total supply chain management as opposed to just getting the cheapest price," says McMillan.
Zimmermann says, "Companies see purchasing as a key part of their business as a whole along with effective management of the entire supply chain."
Midwest and Southeast still on top
As usual, the Midwest and Southeast regions of the country still are seeing the most hiring activity. "The most activity is in the Midwest," says McMillan. "The Northeast is a little behind, but beginning to come into its own."
"The entire country is in good shape, although the Southeast and the Midwest seem to be especially strong," agrees Zimmermann.
The automotive industry continues to be named as having the highest hiring activity. According to McMillan, "The automotive industry continues to be right on top, coming up second is capital equipment and then electronics."
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