The Canadian creative and marketing job market is heating up, with more employers expecting to add staff in the second half of 2019, according to the most recent survey from staffing firm The Creative Group.

The survey of more than 200 advertising and marketing executives revealed that 66% expect to grow their teams in the next six months, up from 61% at the start of the year. Only 2% said they expect to be eliminating positions.

Freelancers will also be in demand, with 56% planning to add more freelance help, up from 48% in the first half of the year.

In terms of specific skill sets in demand, user experience leads the way, while web and mobile development, visual design, user research and creative development are also sought after.

“Customer experience continues to be an evolving focus for organizations, and many are expanding creative and marketing teams to meet these shifting demands,” said Deborah Bottineau, district director for The Creative Group, in a release.

Digital remains a challenge overall for those hiring in advertising and marketing, with 76% saying it it is difficult to hire digital expertise and 41% reporting they are understaffed in digital.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash