The job market will continue its recovery well into 2022, according to a survey released today by Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI). The research found 65% of senior managers anticipate adding new permanent positions in the first half of the year, up 14 points from six months ago; another 33% expect to fill vacated positions.
The practice area most cited for hires was administrative and customer support at 72%, followed by marketing at 69%.
In addition, nearly three-quarters of senior managers, 71%, expect to bring in more contract professionals in 2022. Those in marketing and technology departments are most likely to increase the number of contract workers they use at 78% each.
The top hiring strategies companies are using to attract skilled candidates include:
- 55% are increasing starting salaries.
- 50% are offering remote options and evaluating candidates outside of their office’s geography.
- 44% are providing signing bonuses.
- 41% are giving more paid time off.
- 31% are loosening education, skills or experience requirements.
“Today’s professionals have more career options and negotiating power than ever,” said Robert Half Senior Executive Director Paul McDonald. “In order to land the best talent, employers must move quickly, create a positive candidate experience from the initial contact to the job offer, and provide competitive salaries and flexible work options.”
The survey also found many companies recognize the benefits of offering fully remote roles. These include more applications from skilled candidates, cited by 54%; greater compensation flexibility, cited by 45%; and a quicker hiring process, cited by 34%.
The “State of US Hiring” online survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm from Nov. 11 to Dec. 30, 2021. It includes responses from more than 2,300 senior managers in finance, technology, marketing, legal, administrative and customer support, human resources, and other areas at companies with 20 or more employees in the US.