Hiring in professional fields is likely to continue rising in the second quarter but at a slower pace than what was forecast for the first quarter, according to a survey of executives released by Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI).

Five percent of executives anticipate adding full-time staff in the second quarter of 2012, while 3 percent expect personnel reductions for a net 2 percent increase in hiring. That compares to a net 10 percent increase projected for the first quarter in a previous survey.

Professional fields include accounting/finance, advertising and marketing, human resources, information technology, legal, and sales and business development.

The Robert Half Professional Employment Report is based on telephone interviews with more than 4,000 U.S.-based C-level executives and other leaders in a variety of fields.