Businesses realize that they are competing for talent and have changed their recruiting tactics, said Silver.

More companies will turn to external recruiters to find candidates, with 34 percent of companies surveyed saying they will use this option in the next six months, compared to 29 percent in November.

Employers also understand they have to expand their search area geographically.

"In 2008, 2009, people had [the] right skills and were local," Silver said. "This is not the case anymore."

Boosting paychecks proved a popular option among businesses, with 47 percent saying that new-hire salaries will increase this year compared to 2010. In November, 39 percent of companies held the same belief.