Most US hiring managers expect to increase hiring in the year ahead, according to the semi-annual hiring survey released today by job board operator DHI Group Inc. (NYSE: DHX). The survey found 62% of hiring managers and recruiters in the US anticipate more hiring in the next six months, a slight uptick of one point from a similar survey conducted in December 2015.

While more hiring is anticipated, the time to fill a position is taking longer than ever as recruiters across a variety of industries — and in healthcare and technology in particular — struggle to find qualified talent, the report found.

DHI's index measuring job vacancy duration reached an all-time high of 29.3 working days in April (the latest data available), demonstrating jobs are staying open longer than any time since tracking began in 2001. And healthcare positions remained open more than 49 days on average in April, the longest of any industry, and seven days more than financial services positions, which are the second longest to fill.

“Hiring managers broadly, and those in technology and healthcare specifically, find it increasingly difficult to find candidates with the right combination of skills to fill positions,” said DHI President and CEO Michael Durney. “The recent vote by citizens in the UK will likely have an impact on US hiring decisions in the near term and future, further lengthening the time to fill roles as global employers navigate this new landscape.”

The report found 31% of those who recruit for a variety of professionals and 46% focused on healthcare said they are waiting for the perfect match to fill a role. However, in technology, where telecommuting is more prevalent, only 18% of tech-focused recruiters wait it out. More hiring managers, 53%, broaden their search geographically to find the best talent.

Candidates are also asking for higher pay than years past. Sixty percent of hiring managers across industries and those recruiting tech pros say candidates are asking for more money as compared to six months ago. In healthcare, where demand for professionals is outpacing available candidates, this rises to 66%. As a result, 57% of overall recruiters, 61% of healthcare and 56% of those focused on tech, anticipate salaries for new employees being higher than last year.

The survey included 421 US hiring professionals who recruit for a variety of professionals, 315 for healthcare and 552 for technology. It was conducted from May 16 to May 20 and then from June 6 to June 10.