2010: A Look Ahead

Consecutive months of strong pipeline mean that employers thinking more serious about adding professionals. But so far, only at certain levels.

The glimmer we noted in our December e-newsletter has brightened. Increasing engagement flow is one of the factors pushing employers to hire. Where staff is running at top utilization – and there are practices where they do – it will be time to add capacity. Here’s what else we can tell you:

Hiring is occurring at either end of the compensation continuum. At one end of that continuum, there’s probably not a practice in the country that would turn down a conversation with a true rainmaker. Increased pipeline and profitability (and people leaving the profession) will drive hiring at the lower levels on the pyramid. As the year progresses, look for hiring to expand upward, reaching the manager level.

At the same time, leadership opportunities are available in scattered markets. Their numbers are still few enough, however, that geographic flexibility bestows an advantage to candidates.

We expect jobs to return for BV professionals throughout 2010. We don’t expect the supply/demand pendulum to swing back to where it was until 2011 or later.

We anticipate that sometime during the year, pent up frustration on the part of those who have kept their jobs by working longer and longer hours could trigger a flurry of departures. Some will stay in the profession. Others may not, leaving yet more seats to be filled.

Talk to us now. Make more informed decisions about your future.