Recruiter Confidence Gains Ground As Signs of Economic Improvement Start to Emerge

With some economic indicators pointing toward an easing recession, the outlook for the executive employment market is showing some improvement, as ExecuNetís Recruiter Confidence Index (RCI) inched higher for the second consecutive month in April.

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. Designed to forecast job growth at the executive level, a reading below 50 percent indicates recruiters expect the number of search assignments in the next six months will decrease. Independent analysis of the RCI has confirmed it is a leading indicator for the executive employment market.

According to Aprilís survey of 142 executive recruiters, 41 percent are confident or very confident the executive employment market will improve in the next six months – up from 38 percent last month and 28 percent in February.

ìWhile many recruiters are still wary about the economy, a growing number are beginning to see signs indicating that the worst of the recession may very well be over,î says Mark Anderson, President of ExecuNet. ìExecutive search firms, particularly those that specialize in high growth industries such as Healthcare, Biotech, Energy, Environmental Services, and Clean Technologies have seen a clear improvement in assignment growth in recent weeks.î

Recruitersí short-term confidence also increased slightly in April, as 18 percent report being confident or very confident the executive employment market will improve during the next three months – up from 15 percent in March.

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.