(March 31, 2009)
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 March's survey of 150 executive recruiters, 38 percent are
confident or very confident the executive employment market will improve
in the next six months - up from 28 percent last month.
Confidence in the Executive Employment Market
Next Six Months
Source: Execunet
"While the broad unemployment rate is expected to climb higher in the
months ahead, recruiters haven't given up hope that we'll see an increase
in executive-level job growth before the end of the year," says Mark
Anderson, President of ExecuNet. "Based on conversations search firms are
having with clients, the Healthcare, Clean Tech, and Energy industries
will help lead the employment market out of this recession."
Recruiters' short-term confidence edged slightly higher in March, as 15
percent report being confident or very confident the executive employment
market will improve during the next three months - up from 12 percent in
February.
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.