Recruiters and hiring managers are expecting to see modest job gains during the first six months of 2012, according to a national survey conducted by Dice Holdings Inc., a provider of specialized career websites for professional communities.
The survey shows that 47 percent of hiring managers and recruiters plan on additional hiring during the first half of 2012, compared to the second half of 2011. This figure is similar to the mid-2011 forecast in which 51 percent of respondents said they were anticipating more hiring in the next six months.
Regarding how the effects the economy has had on hiring goals for the next six months, 43 percent of respondents say their companies' and clients' plans are the same; however, 21 percent of respondents are increasing hiring, which suggests they may see the economy as more constructive. The survey also reveals that 30 percent of respondents say they have reduced their hiring plans.
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"With so much uncertainty in the air when it comes to the economy and job creation, it's a surprisingly positive sign that nearly half of respondents are optimistic about hiring at the start of 2012," says Scot Melland, chairman, president and CEO of Dice Holdings Inc. "Although modest in size, we've added private-sector jobs for 20 months now, and that modest job growth looks set to continue. We need to focus on removing any hurdles that impede companies from investing in America's talent."
Thirty-nine percent of respondents say there are longer timelines for employee acquisition. Of those respondents, 60 percent base that on a dearth of qualified candidates and 26 percent base that on an abundance of caution brought on by economic uncertainty. Although employers are having trouble finding the right talent, 55 percent of respondents say they are receiving more applications for open positions than the previous six months.
The survey finds that layoffs appear to be unlikely during the onset of 2012. In mid-2011, 12 percent of respondents said layoffs were at least likely, but 15 percent of respondents now say layoffs are possible during the first six months of 2012. Forty-eight percent of respondents predicted more employees would leave their jobs in the second half of 2011, but only 40 percent of respondents anticipate greater attrition in 2012.
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