ExecuNet, a leader in executive-level job and networking opportunities, today released the results of its November Recruiter Confidence Index. The recent survey of 200 recruiters reveals search professionals continue to believe the employment market will get better in 2004.
A majority of recruiters (63%) are confident or very confident the executive employment market will improve in the six months ahead, down slightly from 67% in October. Just 6% of search firm professionals are not confident the employment market will improve and 30% say they are somewhat confident the market will gain strength during this period of time.
Over the next six months, the search industry is projecting a 16% increase in the number of assignments they receive from clients.
Despite headlines announcing a jobless recovery, demand for executive talent has been increasing for several months, says Mark Anderson, President of ExecuNet. Recent growth in the executive employment market is best characterized as slow and steady, but looking toward 2004, recruiters see this pace picking up speed.
Nearly three in five (59%) recruiters report that business conditions in the executive search industry improved during the last 30 days. Looking at just the next three months, 30% are confident or very confident the executive employment market will improve, 46% are somewhat confident, and 25% are not confident.
During these three months (December, January, and February), search firms are expecting a 9% increase in the number of assignments they receive from companies.
To prepare for increased activity in the employment market, 35% of recruiters report that their firm has plans to hire additional professional staff in the next three months more than double the number (15%) of firms that have increased staff in the past three months.
While conditions have been improving, it is still a buyers market, says Anderson. However, the balance of power is starting to shift, and should the demand for talent heat up as expected, executives will gain more leverage.
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. For more information on ExecuNet visit
Recruiters Remain Confident
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