DMers to Hire More by Year’s End: Survey

More than two-thirds of direct marketers plan to make new hires before the end of the year but staff cutbacks and hiring freezes are also on the rise, according to an employment survey from Bernhart Associates Executive Search.

“We’re seeing some cross-currents in the labor market, but the new hire index remains strong and companies will be looking for a wide range of direct marketing skills,” said president Jerry Bernhart in a statement.

According to the survey, 67% of respondents indicated they would be adding to staff during the next three months, up from 66% in July. That percentage has come down from 80% a year ago, a record high for the survey.

At the same time, the percentage of companies planning staff cutbacks increased to 10% compared with 2% during the summer, and 15% of the companies said they have imposed a hiring freeze, which is up from 6% last summer.

“There was very strong hiring activity during the first half of this year,” said Bernhart. “It appears some companies are bringing down the help wanted signs until 2007.”

Bernhart said the need is strong and growing for candidates with multi-channel marketing skills. “There used to be a time when traditional direct marketing skills were sufficient, but now companies want direct marketers who can integrate all of the critical customer touch-points. They will be in continued high demand for the foreseeable future.”

Companies also said they anticipate openings for the rest of 2006 in account management, e-commerce, consulting, sales and marketing analysis.

The survey polled 143 direct marketers, agencies and suppliers during in the first week of October.