U.S. employers reported more difficulty in filling key positions today than a year ago, according to a survey by Right Management, the outplacement division of ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN). More firms reported they “often” find it hard to fill key positions, 27 percent, than they did a year ago, 23 percent. Also, 13 percent reported they “seldom” find it hard to fill key positions, down from 16 percent a year ago.

Sixty-one percent said it was “occasionally” hard to fill key positions, the same percentage as a year ago.

Right Management conducted the online survey with 631 senior executives and human resources professionals between November 2011 and December 2011.