Recruitersí Confidence Solid In September

Amid mounting concerns over surging energy prices and the threat they pose to the economyís recovery, ExecuNetís Recruiter Confidence Index held its ground in September. The recent survey of 149 executive recruiters conducted by ExecuNet, the executive recruiting network, reveals that recruiters expect strong growth for the executive employment market through the first quarter of 2005.

According to the survey, 56% of recruiters are confident or very confident the executive employment market will improve during the next six months down slightly from 57% in August. During this period of time, the executive search industry is expecting a 16% increase in the number of assignments it receives from clients.

ìRecruiters expect the employment market to continue to move in the right direction,î says Mark Anderson, President of ExecuNet. ìWhile reports on the economy have been mixed, confidence in the job marketís growth has not softened, which would suggest that companies are continuing to talk with recruiters about their hiring plans.î

Recruitersí short-term outlook for the executive employment market also leveled in August, as 42% are confident or very confident the market will get better in the three months ahead nearly unchanged from one month ago (43%).

To prepare for growth in the employment market, 37% of search firms have plans to hire additional professional staff in the next three months. During the last three months, 22% of all search firms added professional staff.

ìAt ExecuNet, weíve seen a significant increase in job landings during the third quarter,î says Anderson. ìIn light of recent growth and strong expectations for the next two quarters, executives that are proactive in their pursuit of a better opportunity will be the first to benefit from an improving market.î

ExecuNet, a career management and recruiting resource center for executives and recruiters, is a recognized authority in executive career and recruiting trends. It helps members identify career opportunities and attain professional success by providing exclusive job postings, opportunities and tactics designed to expand personal and professional networks, and career advancement strategies.

Founded in 1988, ExecuNet also serves recruiters and corporations as a leading source of top-tier executive talent and proprietary research. For more information on ExecuNet visit