Employers Remain Positive About Hiring in 2011

July 28, 2011 – Employers remain positive in their hiring expectations for the remainder of 2011 despite ongoing concerns over threats to economic growth, according to CareerBuilder’s 2011 Mid-Year Job Forecast. CareerBuilder's latest survey shows employers remain positive in their hiring expectations for the remainder of 2011 despite ongoing concerns over threats to economic growth. Nearly half of employers (47 percent) plan to hire new employees from July through December, up from 41 percent in 2010. The survey, which was conducted by Harris Interactive from May 19 to June 8, 2011, included more than 2,600 hiring managers and human resource professionals. Similar to last year's study, the top three functional areas for which businesses plan to hire first are those on the front lines with customers and those driving innovation. Customer Service remains in the No. 1 spot for recruitment with Information Technology slightly edging out Sales this year for the No. 2 ranking on the list. “Last year, certain sectors or departments in companies were producing jobs. This year, the U.S. is seeing job creation in all industries, functions and company sizes,” said Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder. “Our survey, listings on CareerBuilder.com, and conversations we have with employers on a daily basis all indicate that hiring activity will sustain and improve in the months to come with a diverse mix of jobs. While higher energy prices, debt, inflation and other factors may deter a significant acceleration in hiring, employers have encouraging news for the millions of Americans who are looking for jobs.”