Direct Marketing Employment Survey Statistics--Direct Marketing, Mail Order, E-commerce News

Direct Marketing Employment Survey Showing Mixed Outlook

Owatonna MN- More than two-thirds of direct marketers plan to make new hires before the end of the year but staff cutbacks and hiring freezes are also on the rise, according to the latest employment survey from Bernhart Associates Executive Search, LLC.

"We're seeing some cross-currents in the labor market, but the new hire index remains strong and companies will be looking for a wide range of direct marketing skills," said Bernhart Associates President Jerry Bernhart.

According to the survey, 67% of respondents indicated they would be adding to staff during the next three months, up from 66% in July. That percentage has come down from 80% a year ago which was a record high for the survey, now in its fifth year.

At the same time, the percentage of companies planning staff cutbacks increased to 10% compared with 2% during the summer, and 15% of the companies said they have imposed a hiring freeze which is up from 6% during the summer.

"There was very strong hiring activity during the first half of this year," said Bernhart. "It appears some companies are bringing down the help wanted signs until 2007"

Past survey results can be found in the DMA's Statistical Fact Book.

Bernhart said the need is strong and growing for candidates with multi-channel
marketing skills. "There used to be a time when traditional direct marketing skills were sufficient, but now companies want direct marketers who can integrate all of the critical customer touch-points. They will be in continued high demand for the foreseeable future."

Companies also said they anticipate openings for the rest of 2006 in account management, e-commerce, consulting, sales and marketing analysis.

143 companies responded to the survey which was emailed the first week of October.

Companies interested in being added to the quarterly survey should send an email to survey@bernhart.com with "Opt-in" in the subject line.

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Bernhart Associates Executive Search LLC, since 1989 concentrating exclusively
in Direct Marketing, CRM/Database Marketing, Quantitative Analysis and
Sales/Business Development. Find us on the internet at http://www.bernhart.com.

Home of http://www.directmarketingcareers.com, the internet's most complete job posting website for the direct marketing industry.

Bernhart Associates Executive Search, LLC.
2068 Greenwood Drive
Owatonna, MN 55060

Email: bgb@Bernhart.com
Office Phone: 507-451-4270
Website: www.bernhart.com