CareerBuilder Cautiously Optimistic about 2013 Job Market

CareerBuilder’s annual hiring forecast for 2013 has expressed general optimism, but also caution as companies continue to play it safe when expanding staff. According to the report, 26 percent of hiring managers are expected to add permanent, full-time employees in 2013; a 3 point improvement over 2012. High-skilled jobs are also predicted to experience increased competition and improved compensation.

“More than 60 percent of employers reported that they are in a better financial position than last year and more than 40 percent said their sales increased over the last six months,” Matt Ferguson , CEO of CareerBuilder, said. “While this bodes well for job creation, employers are still assessing the implications of a weakened global market and a modest recovery at home. The guarded approach to hiring that has been evident over the last few years was sustained in part by concerns over the fiscal cliff during the time of the survey. We don’t expect 2013 to bring any big surprises in regard to employment, rather it will continue on a path of stability and gradual growth barring any significant economic disruptions.”

However, the number of employers set to decrease staff numbers is also trending upward in 2013. Employers expecting to decrease headcounts have risen by 2 points up to 9 percent over 2012 while 55 percent foresee no staffing changes. The remaining 11 percent are unsure of their hiring status heading into the New Year. The top positions companies will be hiring for in 2013 are sales (29 percent), information technology (27 percent), and customer service (23 percent).