Express Hiring Survey Reveals Greatest Growth For Commercial And Light Industrial Jobs

OKLAHOMA CITY, July 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The third quarter hiring outlook for all regions of North America predicts an increase in hiring for commercial and light industrial jobs, according to a recent hiring trends survey conducted by Express Employment Professionals, one of the largest privately-held staffing companies.

According to 665 employers across the United States and Canada, 37 percent of respondents are planning new hires for commercial and light industrial jobs. This is up five percent from the second quarter.

"We have clients who are experiencing increased production, and the survey results are indicative of what we are seeing in the marketplace," said Robert A. Funk, CEO and chairman of the board for Express. "Employers are adding to their workforce."

Eighteen percent of employers who responded to the survey also plan to hire administrative and office clerical staff. The hiring trends survey indicates that eight percent of respondents plan to hire for engineering positions, while seven percent plan to hire for accounting and finance. Five percent of respondents anticipate hiring for marketing and information technology positions.

"Hiring and retaining top talent is critical to every business' success," Funk said. "Despite the high number of job seekers looking for work today and the increasing number of employers hiring, many employers are reporting that they can't find the right person for the job."

Given the current economic climate, 51 percent of employers who answered the hiring trends survey indicated they have difficulty recruiting for and filling positions.

When considering new hires, employers who responded to the hiring trends survey said an applicant's job experience, attitude and work ethic are the most important characteristics they look for in a candidate when making a hiring decision. Top recruiting resources for employers are employee referrals, staffing firms and online job boards.

Express Employment Professionals helped 335,000 people find jobs in 2011 with more than 570 franchises in three countries. Temporary staffing sales for the Oklahoma City-based company totaled more than $2.1 billion in 2011.

Express offers a full range of employment solutions, including evaluation hire, temporary staffing, professional search and human resources. Express focuses on a wide range of positions, including professional, commercial and administrative. For more information about Express, visit www.expresspros.com.

SOURCE Express Employment Professionals