Improving Economic Outlook Lifts Recruiter Confidence

An increasing number of executive recruiters expect job growth at the top of the employment market to improve in the months ahead, according to the latest ExecuNet Recruiter Confidence Index (RCI) data released today.

According to Augustís survey of 146 executive recruiters, 49 percent are confident or very confident the executive employment market will improve during the next six months – up from 46 percent last month and 28 percent in February. Perhaps more telling, just 7 percent of recruiters are not confident that the market will get better during this period of time, down from 14 percent last month and 20 percent in February.

Through the end of 2009, the executive search industry is expecting a 4.5 percent increase in search assignments received from corporate clients. This is the third consecutive positive reading this year.

ìWith the economy showing signs of stabilization, corporations are beginning to strategically upgrade their leadership teams and fill positions that were put on hold during the downturn,î says Mark Anderson, President and Chief Economist of ExecuNet. ìIn light of the deep cuts many companies made during the past eighteen months, the pace of job growth during the year ahead could be stronger than expected in many industries.î

Introduced in May 2003, the Recruiter Confidence Index is based on a monthly survey of executive search firms conducted by ExecuNet (www.execunet.com), a private network for business leaders. A leading indicator for the economy and the executive job market, a reading above 50 percent indicates recruiters expect the number of search assignments in the next six months will increase.

Founded in 1988, ExecuNet is a private network for business leaders who believe that the right connections can produce extraordinary results in their careers and organizations. A recognized authority in executive recruiting and human capital, ExecuNet provides members access to confidential six-figure job opportunities, proprietary research, and pragmatic advice. For more information, visit www.execunet.com.