OKLAHOMA CITY, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The hiring outlook in all regions of North America is increasing for administrative and commercial jobs, according to a recent hiring trends survey conducted by Express Employment Professionals, one of the nation's largest privately-held staffing companies.

Express surveyed more than 25,000 current and former Express clients across the United States and Canada.

Hiring trends for the second quarter of 2012 are expected to be greatest in commercial and light industrial jobs, with 32 percent of respondents planning new hires. This is up three percent from the first quarter.

Twenty-eight percent of respondents anticipate adding administrative and office clerical staff, an increase of eight percent from the previous quarter. Additionally, 43 percent plan to fill positions in "other" sectors that include clinical/healthcare, customer service, food service, general labor, maintenance, medical/dental/nursing and sales.

"As the economy continues to recover from the recession, we are seeing more employers increase their production and add to their staff," said Robert A. Funk, CEO and chairman of the board for Express. "In addition to the number of commercial and administrative positions increasing, we are also seeing an increase in professional positions."

The hiring trends survey indicates that 11 percent of respondents plan to hire for engineering positions, while 10 percent plan to hire for accounting and finance. Eight percent of respondents anticipate hiring for marketing and information technology positions.

And while many companies are planning new hires, they are finding it difficult to recruit and fill positions. More than 50 percent of employers who answered the survey indicated they have difficulty recruiting for and filling positions.

"Recruiting and retaining top talent is more important than ever to small businesses," Funk said. "To ensure a good fit, identify whether a hiring candidate's core values match those of the company."

When considering new hires, an overwhelming 99 percent of the employers who responded to the hiring trends survey said an applicant's attitude is the most important characteristic when making a hiring decision.

"Starting your career in today's hiring environment can be challenging, including making a positive, memorable impression with people who could be your employer," Funk said. "It's important to show your positive attitude and offer solutions on how you can help the company."

Express Employment Professionals helped 335,000 people find jobs in 2011 with more than 550 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