Survey Says: Massachusetts is Ahead of the Pack

When the economy is not at its best, memories of better times may help us get by, but optimistic reports about the future are far more motivating. Job opportunities are anticipated to increase going into the third quarter, especially for candidates looking for work in the Bay State. (Image courtesy: http://bit.ly/cZHyWv)

According to a survey conducted by Robert Half International, Inc., 16% of Massachusetts’ executives polled anticipate hiring additional professionals during the third quarter, while only 2% anticipate hiring fewer professionals. With this projected net gain of 14%, Massachusetts ranks highest in the country at 11% above the national average.

Nationally, Texas reported the second highest projected net gain in hiring at 8%. Of the New England States, Connecticut ranked after Massachusetts and seventh nationally, with a projected net gain of 3%.

“I see this as very good news,” Bill Driscoll, president of Robert Half International’s New England district expressed.

The survey also shows that law firms are particularly interested in hiring, with more than 30% of the firms polled reporting planning to increase hiring over the next three months. Transportation and business services companies also foresee higher than average increases in hiring during the third quarter. Finally, the survey predicts an increase in the demand for accountants, financial analysts, and business systems analysts moving forward.

On a national level, just under 50% of the survey’s respondents anticipate no change in hiring from this quarter to the next. Moreover, of the state executives polled, 79% anticipate no change in payroll from quarter two to quarter three. Despite the high percentage of hiring neutrality reported, 83% of the survey’s respondents still expect their organizations to grow during the third quarter, even if their headcounts do not.

One concern the survey revealed was that a large number of executives polled are worried they will be unable to find quality candidates once they do begin rehiring. Why those surveyed felt this way is not immediately clear.

In this particular study, Robert Half International polled a scientific sample of 4,000 organizations across the country, which employ no fewer than 20 employees each. Each quarter the company issues an updated “Professional Employment Report.” (Image courtesy www.rhi.com)

A 16% anticipated increase in hiring may not be shocking, but it is by no means disappointing, especially when considered in a regional, or even national, context. Moreover, neutral votes do not factor into this percentage, so a far greater number of workers across the state will at least be able to hold onto their current positions going into the next quarter. Overall, as new economic reports are released, it becomes more apparent that Massachusetts is doing something right, as it continues to rank strongest in the country time and time again.

[Sources: bit.ly/99FnKx, bit.ly/dtYUYT, bit.ly/csYvvU, www.rhi.com]