What’s Hot in 2008?

Skills shortage concerns have continued into the new year, forcing employers to put on their thinking caps.

“The massive skills shortage in Australia is causing employers to seek out more lateral solutions like sourcing workers from overseas, outsourcing, hiring contract staff, alternate strategies like golden handcuffs, talent pooling, or retention schemes for high performing personnel,” says Neil Galvin, Talent2 practice manager.

“Australian companies are looking for professionals who will invest three to five years minimum in their job and who will passionately commit themselves to doing the best job possible. Employees need to be strategic about their career planning just as much as employers needing to be strategic about the type of employee they want to attract.
“The pressure on salaries will be enormous this coming year as the shortage of skilled employees escalates. Organisations will need to be more creative about retention strategies.

And to end your curiosity, Talent2 has created the following list of the hottest jobs in 2008.

1.Learning and Development Managers ($80-$160k)
2.Tax Accountants ($120-$140k)
3.Financial Controllers ($150k to $180k)
4.Internal Communications Managers ($100 - $200k)
5.Corporate Social Responsibility Managers ($120 - $180k)
6.FMCG Brand Managers ($100k to $135k)
7.Solutions Architects ($160-$200k)
8.Engineers – all types up to $300k
9.Security Managers (IT) ($150-$250k)
10.Marketing Campaign Managers ($80k to $100k)

“Perhaps the hottest job of all is the next one you are likely to get,” says Galvin.

“Remain open, flexible and above all else, positive, employers will want people who can cope with an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing business environment and those that have a track record of getting things done.”