A report from Bernhart Associates found that 52 percent of businesses included in a recent poll plan to hire new staff in 2012. The survey also found that 19 percent of businesses are currently in a hiring freeze and another 6 percent said they were planning to cut staff in 2012.
Within specific sectors, B2C marketers are expected to be among the most aggressive in hiring, with 56 percent saying they plan to add to their workforce. Additionally, 48 B2B marketers plan to make hires. Both figures represent substantial improvements from the beginning of 2011, when just 40 percent of all businesses said they planned to expand their staff.
Marketing, creative and sales professionals are among the most frequently sought by marketing agencies and businesses as a whole.
According to Bernhart Associates, social media marketing campaigns are likely to see more support as well.
“Several other trends also stand out,” Jerry Bernhart, principal of Bernhart Associates, said in a release. “We’re seeing more multiple openings per company, and social media-related jobs are appearing for the first time on the top 10 list of positions that will be in most demand.”
Social media marketing campaigns are becoming increasingly important for businesses moving forward. Brafton recently reported that 70 percent of businesses are planning to increase social spending. Additionally, a separate Brafton report highlighted an iCrossing study that predicted Facebook to reach 1 billion users by August 2012.
