Direct marketers are planning to make more hires and fewer layoffs entering the second quarter, according to a survey by Owatonna, MN-based Bernhart Associates.
Among the 186 direct marketers surveyed, 5% said they plan reductions in staff this spring, compared with 12% the previous quarter. What’s more, the portion of companies with hiring freezes dropped from 20% to 16% during the same period. Creative, account management, sales, and sales support positions “will be in demand,” according to president Jerry Bernhardt.
As for new jobs, 63% of respondents said they plan to beef up staff from now until July. “The vast majority of hires are going to be new positions rather than replacements. Recruitment activity also remains strong,” Bernhart says, noting a steady increase in search assignments for more senior level positions. “Turn-downs are also making a comeback with the pendulum swinging more in the candidate’s direction.”