Most US hiring managers expect to increase hiring in the next six months, according to the annual hiring survey released today by job board operator DHI Group Inc. (NYSE: DHX). The survey found 61% of hiring managers and recruiters in the US anticipate more hiring in the first half of 2016 as compared to the second half of 2015, a slight uptick of one point from a similar survey conducted a year ago.

In the next six months, 17% of companies surveyed plan to hire 30% or more professionals, up five percentage points as compared to when asked in 2014. Additionally, 45% said the time to fill open positions has lengthened relative to last year. The primary reason cited for the backlog is the inability to find qualified professionals at 53%, followed by hiring managers saying they're waiting for the perfect match at 29%.

More than a third, 37%, of hiring managers surveyed are seeing more counteroffers. Signaling it’s the candidates’ market, 47% said there are positions they are unable to fill due to salary requirements for the roles. In response, more hiring managers — 56% in 2015 compared to 49% in 2014 — see higher salaries for new hires this year.

“The recruiting environment for certain highly-skilled professionals is the toughest I’ve seen in nearly a decade with companies jockeying for in-demand talent and candidates having their pick at ideal positions and compensation,” DHI President and CEO Michael Durney said. “In addition to bulking up budgets to pay desired candidates, companies have to consider ongoing sourcing and identifying professionals ahead of the creation of a specific job opening. Recruitment has to be more about relationship building today than ever before.”

A handful of companies may be getting the recruiting formula right, with 21% saying more candidates are accepting offers, up from 14% who said this a year ago. 

The emailed survey included 598 hiring professionals and was conducted from Nov. 10 to Nov. 13, 2015.