Feb 1, 2010

Executive Search Recruiting Industry Expects 19% Increase in 2010

Posted by Wendy Weber

ExecuNet, a private network for business leaders, conducts a monthly survey of executive search firms known as the Recruiter Confidence Index. According to their latest survey, recruiting firms now expect a 19 percent increase in management search assignments from corporate clients – the highest since early 2008 – and are adding staff in anticipation of the growth.

According to December’s survey of 153 executive recruiters, 54 percent are confident or very confident the executive employment market will improve during the next six months – up from 50 percent in November. In addition to forecasting a double-digit increase in assignment growth in the year ahead, 21 percent of all search firms are planning to add professional staff in the first quarter of 2010.

Mark Anderson, president and chief economist of ExecuNet says: “The anticipated increase in search activity shows companies have started to expand their workforces after a long period of cutbacks.”

Introduced in May 2003, the Recruiter Confidence Index is based on a monthly survey of executive search firms. A leading indicator for the economy and the executive job market, a reading above 50 percent indicates recruiters expect the number of search assignments in the next six months will increase.

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