More than Half of US Companies to Add Jobs in First Half of Year, Almost Two-Thirds Will Leverage Contract Talent: Robert Half
Despite market volatility, companies across the US plan to increase hiring in the first half […]
Despite market volatility, companies across the US plan to increase hiring in the first half of 2023, according to a survey released today by Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI). Fifty-eight percent plan to add permanent positions, up from 46% in the similar survey for the second half of 2022. Meanwhile, 72% plan to hire more contract staff, up from 45% six month ago.
“Hiring tends to pick up at the beginning of the year, as budgets have been approved and teams seek additional support for initiatives that will drive business growth and customer retention,” said Paul McDonald, senior executive director of Robert Half. “As job openings and turnover remain high, employers need to play offence — and be prepared to negotiate — in order to recruit and retain skilled talent.”
The report noted that while many companies are eager to hire, nine in 10 managers said it is challenging to find skilled professionals, on par with results from the prior “State of US Hiring” survey. Employers also reported it could take up to 11 weeks, on average, to hire for an open position, up from seven weeks in 2021.
In addition, managers in technology and in finance and accounting have the greatest full-time staffing needs at 64% and 63% respectively. Those in finance and accounting and in legal are most likely to increase their use of contract talent at 78% each.
“Contract professionals can quickly step in to help with critical projects and heavy workloads while companies continue their search for permanent employees,” McDonald said.
The report found that despite hiring challenges, employers said they conduct about four interviews with a candidate before extending a job offer. Beyond skills, the top traits they look for in potential hires include knowledge of the company, timeliness and professionalism during interviews and passion for the company’s mission.
The “State of US Hiring” online survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm from Oct. 20 to Nov. 3, 2022. It includes responses from 2,175 managers with hiring responsibilities in finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, administrative and customer support, and human resources at companies with 20 or more employees in the US.
