Recruiter Confidence Stabilizing

ExecuNetís Recruiter Confidence Index (RCI), which had soared 29 points during the previous three months, remained near its recent high in June, as the executive search industry continues to see signs of an employment market recovery emerging in the second half of the year.

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 above 50 percent indicates recruiters expect the number of search assignments in the next six months will increase. Independent analysis of the RCI has confirmed it is a leading indicator for the executive employment market.

According to Juneís survey of 145 executive recruiters, 50 percent are confident or very confident the executive employment market will improve in the next six months – down from 57 percent last month, which had marked the RCIís highest level since June 2008 – but well above a February 2009 reading of 28 percent. In the second half of 2009, the executive search industry is expecting an 11 percent increase in search assignments received from corporate clients.

ìRecruitersí outlook for the executive employment market during the second half of the year suggests that the bottom of the recession is now in their rearview mirrors,î says Mark Anderson, President and Chief Economist of ExecuNet. ìWhile recruiters are not expecting to see hiring rebound overnight, professionals seeking opportunities to take their career to the next level should have a plan in place to increase their visibility among search firms and their peers.î

Recruitersí short-term confidence increased significantly in June, as 27 percent report being confident or very confident the executive employment market will improve during the next three months – up from 19 percent in May.

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.