The hiring of full-time creative and marketing professionals is expected to increase slightly in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to the most recent hiring index from The Creative Group, released today.

Twenty-five percent of executives interviewed said they plan to add full-time staff in the next three months, and 5 percent forecast reductions in personnel. The resulting net 20 percent of executives anticipating hiring is up one point from the third quarter.

Fifty-seven percent of executives said it’s challenging to find skilled creative professionals today, up 15 points from the previous quarter.

Web design/production, account services and social media are the specialties in greatest demand, according to survey respondents.

The national study was developed by Menlo Park, Calif.-based The Creative Group, which provides interactive, design and marketing professionals. Approximately 375 marketing executives and 125 advertising executives participated in the survey.

“As more business is conducted online and via mobile devices, companies are moving quickly to promote their products and services using a variety of channels,” said Donna Farrugia, executive director of The Creative Group. “Experienced Web designers and developers, and marketing professionals with proven success executing innovative social media campaigns, are sought by organizations of all types and sizes.”