The T.E.M.P. Report 2.0™ for January 2009~ Exclusive to The Capital Buzz

A brief update on the current Washington area PR employment scene based on the view from PRofessional Solutions, LLC, the Washington market’s only PR temporary staffing agency.

December ‘08: Bust
November ‘08: Slow (very)
December ‘07: Slow to Fair

Ratings:
Bust - virtually no hiring for jobs, freelancers or temps
Slow - a few, mostly low-level, positions being filled; fewer jobs for freelancers or temps
Fair - existing jobs are being filled and moderate work for freelancers and temps
Strong - organizations are hiring at all levels and good work for freelancers and temps
Boom! - virtually everyone who wants work is finding it

Kate’s Overview: Last month applications for temporary PR assignments were coming from freelancers and independents as organizations began to put an end to outside contracts. I’m sorry to say that in December things got gloomier as applications began coming in from people losing permanent jobs as organizations began downsizing, something that the Washington market had mostly been spared until now.

As we enter the new year I’ve asked the leaders of the local communications professional societies for their take on what communicators are facing and what they can do in response the economic downturn. Read on for my first interview featuring Tomeka Rawlings, current president of IABC Washington.



IABC Washington President’s Observations and Suggestions for 2009 Employment Scene

What in the world is going on in the employment scene these days? As promised when I re-launched The T.E.M.P. Report 2.0™ as part of The Capital Buzz, in addition to simply offering a snapshot of the market at the moment I’m including conversations with leaders of our area professional societies about what they see happening among their group’s members.

Tomeka S. Rawlings, IABC/Washington President, was good enough to provide me with a quick and insightful look at what that organization is already noticing, and how she suggests professionals position themselves in response.

Kate Perrin: What impact has the changing economy has had on IABC Washington and its members so far?

Tomeka Rawlings: There has been a drop in chapter event attendance and membership renewals because the economy has the nation by their wallets. We see that members are more selective about where they spend their money, resulting in the chapter having to seek out more quality, top-notch programming and events to not only remain competitive with other area communications groups, but more importantly to continue to interest members to maintain membership and/or attend chapter events over our competitors.

Kate Perrin: What are the tips you offer communicators on how to keep a job or freelance clients, or to find a new job?

Tomeka Rawlings: First and foremost, continue networking and meeting new and interesting people. Those folks could be valuable assets to you in the future by either referring business or referring you to a potential employer.

Next, stay connected to professional development training to maintain your current skills or to obtain new ones to keep you marketable in your current job or in finding another.

And finally, Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer! Organizations that are now downsizing because of the economy are in need of communications volunteers to help them continue "business as usual." For the communicator, this presents a great opportunity to network with colleagues and at the same time build your skills and develop new ones. Who knows, you may even land a great job or client out of the experience!

Kate Perrin: What are your predictions for the DC area job market for the coming year?

Tomeka Rawlings: I don’t see the job market improving too much in 2009. However, I believe we can look forward to a very slow but consistent improvement toward the end of the year and throughout 2010.

But in the meantime, we should use every opportunity to improve and enhance our mind, body and spirit so that we are 100 percent prepared for our next job opportunity when it arises.