The ExecuNet Recruiter Confidence Index (RCI) in December remained at the low level of 24% — just 24% of recruiters are Confident or Very Confident that the executive employment market will improve in the next six months.
The only good news is that those Not Confident it will Improve declined from 40% to 20%, so they are seeing “light at the end of the tunnel.”
ExecuNet’s Executive Job Creation Index (JCI) also shows a negative picture at -9, with 6% of companies expecting to be adding positions, 6% eliminating positions, and 9% placing a hold on filling positions. Meanwhile, 52% of companies say they are still looking to trade up on talent where they can. That 52% is the key. It’s where both recruiters and executives alike can grasp opportunity. Candidates who are skilled at communicating their value story can find opportunity in this market.
Mark Anderson
Mark Anderson is ExecuNet's president and chief economist. An Arjay Miller Scholar, Mark received his MBA from Stanford University and a BA in economics from Yale University. He joined ExecuNet in 1993, with extensive marketing and new product and business development experience, having served as president and founder of A&M Associates, an investment management firm. Mark's corporate leadership experience includes several senior marketing and financial positions with RCA Global Communications (a GE subsidiary) and American Can Company.
