Survey: Many Companies Set To Hire

CHICAGO (CBS) – Even as the state received word of mass layoffs, many companies say in a new survey they plan to hire soon.

CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports.

One minute Brian Brooke, regional manager of Jackson/Wabash, is talking to a job candidate on the phone. The next he's perusing resumes.

Before the day is over, the regional director of a financial recruiting firm plans to hire one sales person. But he has openings for five others, paying as much as $100,000 with commissions.

"We look for someone with minimum of a bachelor's degree, but really any kind of sales experience," Brooke said.

This is the first time in a couple of years that Brooke is in position to hire. In 2008, his firm lost 40 percent of its business. But now he sees growth.

Jackson/Wabash is among the 47 percent of companies looking to hire full-time staff this year. That's up from last year's 41 percent.

And it's good news that cuts across all industries, from finance, health, manufacturing. According to CareerBuilders' survey of 2,600 hiring managers, the top positions that companies are looking to fill include customer service, information technology and sales.

"We've seen some encouraging news for job seekers," CareerBuilder senior career adviser Jennifer Grass says.

Right now in Chicago, Sears is looking for a social and digital marketing director. Salary: $50,000 to $60,000 per year.

Verizon Wireless and Chrysler are looking for sales managers. The base is $40,000 plus commission.

Mercy Hospital is looking to hire nurse practitioners and paying $85,000 to $90,000. Allstate is looking for a database administrator. Salary: $100,000. 

Out of all the hiring that companies plan to do, the number-one position they're looking to fill is customer service. Experts say it's an indication that companies are determined to keep their clients and consumers happy.