Interim Workers Leading Job Market Recovery: McKinley Marketing Partners Experiences Uptick in Requests for Contract Marketing Professionals

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As contract work experiences a boom, companies like McKinley Marketing Partners, Inc. keep pace with the increase of requests for on-demand marketing professionals who do not require training, benefits and other overhead costs. Over the past several months the company, which places marketing professionals on a project basis, has had an uptick in both the number of companies seeking marketing talent as well as applicants who are attracted to the flexibility of contract work.

A recent survey conducted by Careerbuilder.com and USA Today found that 25 percent of employers responding anticipate hiring contract workers or freelancers in the second quarter to help fill productivity gaps. This survey piggybacks the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, which shows the fifth straight monthly increase in the number of temporary workers.

"Contract work is proving to be the driving force as the job market recovers," said Michelle Boggs, president and CEO of McKinley. "We continue to experience increased volume in the number of companies seeking McKinley's Interim Marketing Managers(SM) (IMMs^®) to help keep their marketing machines running. In turn, we are actively adjusting our business strategy by expanding our client services and recruiting departments to quickly and effectively respond to increased demand."

A range of industries -- including telecommunications, financial services, nonprofit and technology -- are contacting McKinley for experienced professionals in marketing, communications and public relations who can jump in at a moment's notice to assist with both short- and long-term projects.

"Companies want and need alternate hiring solutions as they adjust their practices in a healing economy," explained Boggs. "Our clients like the fact that they pay for only what they need. There is no minimum fee, no retainer or overhead. McKinley does all the legwork in recruiting and screening the perfect candidate who will best match their needs."

More companies have begun to realize the many benefits of the project/contract solution and are turning to companies like McKinley.  In fact, during the last quarter of 2009, McKinley's financial services projects grew more than 11 times the number of those in the first quarter.

According to Boggs, McKinley's talent pool is better than ever as a greater number of marketing professionals seek the independence of contract work.

"I had always dreamed about having the flexibility of working for myself," said Traci Robinson-Williams, a McKinley IMM. "At first I was nervous to take the leap financially, but the economic conditions gave me the push to go for it. Using McKinley as a springboard to augment my own consulting business, I've already had multiple projects and am enjoying a lifestyle I didn't have as a full-time employee."

In the third quarter alone, the number of McKinley applicants jumped by nearly 300 percent, making 2009 a record breaking year for the highest number of applicants.

"Interim or project work is the new face of business," said Boggs. "It is a win-win solution for both companies and individuals who are looking to survive and thrive in a transitioning economy." 

For case studies of how McKinley is helping companies meet their marketing challenges, visit http://www.mckinleymarketingpartners.com/WhyUse/content.cfm?ItemNumber=925.

McKinley Marketing Partners, Inc. (www.mckinleymarketingpartners.com) is a pioneer provider of Interim Marketing Managers to Fortune 1000 companies and trade associations.

SOURCE McKinley Marketing Partners, Inc.