Higher Level Openings Far More Numerous than Entry Level?

[iambunny]

This came out of a conversation I often have with Frank (AKA boyfriend/Mister Fart), as he's always on the hunt for a more secure job. It seems like in the creative industries (he's in games) there are ALWAYS a proportionately high number of higher level Senior/Director positions compared to entry/lower level positions. He's noticed this over the past few years, and as I'm getting my feet wet in the world of design, I've noticed it too. I'm nowhere near ready to apply for a job yet, but I do like to see what's out there and what they want so that I can prepare myself well before graduation comes.

It seems logical that a company would just promote people up the ladder, filling some of those higher positions before they spend much (if any) time being posted. Even so, I know from Frank's experience that some companies have policies about not hiring internally. I've theorized that this could be because of how competitive everything has become and companies don't just want to hire from within but want to find the best. It just seems like there is always senior positions and never junior ones.

Have you guys noticed this? If so, any theories?

[MikeHun]

Unless you get the higher level and get lower level rates because there is still a lot of completion for them.Employers know this and chisel you down or won;'t higher you if you ask for more...there is always someone out there to fill your place.

As for youth unemployment it's bad out there and there are no real entry level jobs. It's only 3-5 years positions that will only pay minimum entry salary for the 3-5 year experience range

[iambunny]

Yeah it's definitely bad. I know someone that got offered another job and he thought they had to be joking about the salary. It was half what he was making at a lower position and it was in a much higher cost of a living area. Of course then the old company gave the guy a huge promotion he really wasn't qualified for just so he wouldn't leave the already barebones team in shambles.

I love how business works! *sarcasm*

[Red Kittie Kat]

Try finding a job at 53 in any field ...

My Joe is a mechanic and a cook. There are NO full time jobs available in this area unless you have degree's out the wazoo. Experience counts for nothing.

I may be posting from a box on the corner soon

[Bob]

Don't forget, technology has largely supplanted most middle management positions these days. The org charts are as polarized as the economy.

[Tiggy]

I live in a tiny city but from what I've heard, the social media bug has hit most of our ad companies, and they want to hire interns based on social media contests.

This really annoys me, because I don't necessarily want to advertise on my Facebook or twitter that I would like the job at Company X. What if I'm applying to multiple companies. I think its a bad practice, and leaves candidates in a hard position.

[PanToshi]

I am drive-by posting so forgive my short answers.

Originally Posted by iambunny

It seems like in the creative industries (he's in games) there are ALWAYS a proportionately high number of higher level Senior/Director positions compared to entry/lower level positions.

This is title in lieu of pay. ie: I give you a fancy-pants title instead of appropriate salary. This is how we get knumn-knuts in "senior" roles; eg: "creative directors" with no staff to direct.

Originally Posted by iambunny

It seems logical that a company would just promote people up the ladder, filling some of those higher positions before they spend much (if any) time being posted.

Rarely. 2 reasons. You don't have as much of a salary increase being promoted from within as getting a new job elsewhere. And as you said, companies want new blood.

Originally Posted by iambunny

It just seems like there is always senior positions and never junior ones.

See my theory above.