The study found that 24% of direct marketers surveyed said they were having a “very difficult time” finding qualified candidates to fill positions.

Also, 53% of respondents said they were having a “somewhat difficult time” finding qualified direct marketing candidates, while only 18% said they were having little or no difficulty filling positions.

When asked about their hiring plans for the current quarter, 67% said they would be adding to staff, 30% said they plan no change in staffing levels and 3% said they plan to reduce staff. Eleven percent of direct marketers said they have a hiring freeze in place.

"Direct marketing companies are telling us that they are having an especially difficult time finding marketing analysts who can crunch the numbers but also interpret the results to help create business solutions," said Jerry Bernhart, president of Bernhart Associates Executive Search.

The study was based on an online survey of direct marketing executives conducted the week of April 9.

—Kate Maddox