Demand for digital talent strong

Hong Kong - Hiring expectations for the fourth quarter of 2007 in the media, advertising and PR sectors are looking strong, with agencies hiring digital talent expected to grow at 46%, spurred by the digital sector and rapid growth in ad budgets.

New data from Hudson's Q4 2007 report, shows that 46% of respondents are expected to hire more staff compared with 41% last year due to the expansion of digital media campaigns boosting demand.

However, the sector is experiencing a high level of staff turnover, with 35% percent leaving within two years and just 14% remaining in place for more than three years.

To retain talents, 83% of respondents in the media, advertising and PR sector said they would use counter offers, with 90% citing salary increase, 59% using promotion and 45% through changing roles as forms of counter offering.

Hudson commented that the industry has the highest proportion of employers using counter offers as it is a business where close relationships are important and they would try hard to retain staff who have developed strong client relationships.

"Demand for talent within the digital sector continues to strengthen as more employers seek candidates who have a good understanding of the development and execution of effective digital marketing strategies," Aruna Alimchandani, sales & marketing manager for Hudson, said.

"Agencies are continuously trying to strengthen their digital capabilities to meet with their clients' needs in this area."