It is often difficult to know if things are getting better for recruiters or if the forecast for executive search is bleak. I look to those that survey the industry to offer signs that can predict a direction.
ExecuNet is one of the survey organizations I watch. They engage is recruitment forecasting surveys frequently. Their most recent survey had four positive indicators for the months ahead.
- Recruiter confidence reached 51%, the best in more than 2 years. Recruiters are getting more positive about recruiting. Since recruiters are eternally optimistic, this indicator alone needs someone good news connected to it to make it feel real.
- Executive Job Creation Index moved in a positive direction in January 2014. 30% of companies expected to add executive positions early in the year, up 10% for the prior year.
- Recruiters are forecasting 15% growth in assignments, an increase from 2013 levels.
- ExecuNet also captures metrics on voluntary “quit” rate. This is rate is reported as on the increase, so retention of top talent will be an issue for companies in 2014.
What trends or forecasts do you watch? Is there one that you find most accurate?
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