Executives Forecast Modes Hiring in Q3

June 4, 2010 – Nine percent of executives interviewed for the Robert Half Professional Employment Report said they plan to increase the number of full-time employees in professional occupations in the third quarter, and six percent anticipate declines. The net three percent increase is down slightly from the prior quarter's forecast but continues a trend of hiring outpacing staff reductions. Eighty-five percent of respondents expressed confidence in growth prospects for their companies. Forty-two percent of executives, including those not planning to hire in the next three months, said they are concerned about their ability to find the right talent to fit their needs when the time comes. “While most companies remain cautious about adding new staff, they appear to be more optimistic about their growth prospects for the third quarter,” said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. “As the economy improves, firms that made personnel cuts during the downturn will likely need additional skilled professionals in a variety of disciplines to help manage increased customer demand.” The Robert Half Professional Employment Report is based on telephone interviews with more than 4,000 U.S. executives from a variety of fields about their hiring plans and general level of optimism regarding the upcoming quarter.