Executive confidence in employment market jumps in January

A recent survey conducted by ExecuNet reveals executives are expecting a stronger employment market in the months ahead.

According to the survey of 809 executives, 48% describe conditions in the executive employment market over the past 30 days as improving - up from 36% in October 2003, 47% say the market is flat, and just 5% believe it is getting worse.

Those who are confident or very confident the employment market will improve in the next six months increased to 56% in January - up from 38% in October. Just 6% are not confident the market will get better in the first half of 2004 and 38% are somewhat confident.

Executives are seeing an increase in the number of companies that are hiring, says Mark Anderson, President of ExecuNet. The recovery that began in 2003 is gaining strength as we start the new year - it s a great time for executives to seek new opportunities.

Increased confidence has translated into shorter expectations with regard to length of a job search. Those who are currently unemployed report they have been in a job search for 7.7 months on average and expect their search will continue an additional 5.2 months - down significantly from 7 months in October.

ExecuNet, a career management and recruiting resource center for executives and recruiters, helps its members identify career opportunities and attain professional success through job listings, expert networking tactics, and career advancement strategies. Founded in 1988, ExecuNet also serves recruiters and corporations as a leading source of top-tier talent and proprietary research.