THE IMM RECRUITMENT CENTRE - ENSURING THE RIGHT MARKETING HIRE

As we know, the marketing function is critical to the success of any business. In fact one could argue that it is the most critical. History has shown that the financial success of an organisation often depends on its inherent marketing ability - even more reason to implement skilled and strategic marketing processes within a company.

But, as Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, said: "It all starts with the right hire."

The success of a professional marketer and thus, ultimately the company, depends on knowledge and aptitude, as well as a relevant marketing qualification from a reputable tertiary institution. This can leverage one's career, position one ahead of job applicants and lead to respect by both the business community and by reputable recruitment organisations.

In recognising the outstanding quality of the IMM Graduate School of Marketing (IMM GSM) qualifications, the IMM GSM is regularly approached by organisations needing to fill marketing positions. Likewise, IMM graduates often look for avenues to assist them in finding employment.

With access to a pool of qualified marketing talent through the extensive IMM alumni base, IMM Recruitment, located in both Johannesburg and Durban, is perfectly positioned to meet industry requirements. It connects with the real needs of organisations, regardless of size, and successfully places qualified marketers of all levels around South Africa.

"We take an interest in the career growth of the IMM graduates, while creating a database of professional staff and potential that is quite different from the standard recruitment consultancy," said IMM recruitment specialist, Rabia Carvalho. "Graduates of the IMM GSM offer something a little "more than most" to their employers, as their in-depth, practically-focused learning experience, places them in a position of preference for companies looking for marketing talent.

"The vibrancy and diversity of marketing work are evident in the varied and dynamic job descriptions," said Professor Zak Nel, Academic Head of the IMM GSM. "But, it is amazing to monitor the dramatic change of careers and job opportunities in the marketing segment."

Way back in 1985, an extensive research project monitored all job titles for the South African Dictionary of Occupations in South Africa. The results showed a leanness with only12 recorded marketing job titles in the sector, with the most popular job title being marketing manager, followed by marketing officer, marketing consultant and marketing researcher. The "strange" position of a marketing clerk was also frequently advertised.

The initial results of a similar project undertaken during 2008 shows an explosion not only of different job descriptions in the marketing and related sector, but also an astonishing increase in the number of jobs available in the sector. From the count of 12 job titles in 1985, the latest findings show that there now over 125 different job titles within the South African marketing sector. This is not withstanding the fact that the different job title count excludes level descriptors, such as junior, assistant, middle or senior.

The recruitment paradigm is shifting as companies, in recognising the inherent value the individual brings to the organisation, are moving towards embracing top talent and considering what they can do to attract, retain and nurture their employees. People are the core asset of any company and organisations need to act on this by recognising their talent - it's about recognition, reward and retention.

Looking back, exceptional talent was often not appreciated, certainly in the entertainment industry: a concert manager, on firing Elvis Presley in 1954 said: "You ought to go back to driving a truck" and the verdict at Fred Astaire's screen test was: "Can't act. Can't sing. Slightly bald. Can dance a little."

"Careful consideration of the cultural, experiential and educational fit leads to the increased retention of employees. In light of recent studies showing that 85% of all staff in all industries are either actively looking for a new job or open to an offer, it is imperative that we find a satisfied balance between the needs of both candidate and client," said Carvalho.

"IMM Recruitment assists with the sourcing of professionals at all levels, and although we focus on IMM GSM graduates, we put our clients' needs first and are careful to evaluate the experience and particular skills set of all candidates, regardless of their tertiary education institution of choice."