NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The job market for unemployed managers and executives had its best showing since 2001 in the first quarter, global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas said Monday.

Job-seeking managers and executives found positions faster. The amount of time it took to win new positions dropped 5 percent to 3.16 months, the lowest level since 2001.

The report also showed that the percentage of managers and executives winning equivalent or better salaries rose 5.8 points from 85.8 percent in the fourth quarter to 91.6 percent in the first quarter, the highest percentage since 2000.

"All of this is good news for job seekers, of course, but it is too early to tell if it is a lasting trend," John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, said in a statement.

"There are signs now that the economy may be softening."

If consumer demand weakens, Challenger added, "employers are likely to put the brakes on hiring and spending plans." High energy prices are one possible factor in raising costs for employers and consumers alike, threatening spending in other sectors.

"It is difficult to say what slower growth will mean for hiring," said Challenger. "Employers may continue adding workers, but it probably will not be at a quick enough pace to keep up with population growth and would not make a significant dent in unemployment."

Based on a Challenger analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the occupations that will experience the most growth between now and 2012 are technology and health care related, including software engineers, support specialists, network and database administrators, physician's assistants and occupational/physical therapists.

Meanwhile, occupational categories expected to see declines include secretaries and typists, telephone operators, tellers and clerks, computer operators and farmers/ranchers, all areas that are quickly being supplanted by technology or less costly labor in other countries.

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