• October 3, 2009

The recession has been punishing for out-of-work marketing execs in the last year, but a new survey reports things may be looking up soon.

The national survey by the Creative Group reports that 34% of advertising and marketing executives it polled say they plan to hire in the coming year, and another 55% say they'll hold to current staffing levels. Only 10% believe they will be cutting staff.

Among the most popular hiring slots: Web design and production are key areas, with 52% saying they hope to hire; art and creative directors (50%) and interactive and account services staff (48%.) The survey included 250 phone interviews, half with ad agencies and half with large marketers.--Sarah Mahoney