So maybe I’ve been reading the newspapers too much and watching those depressing business news programs too often. I was surprised to learn that recruitment growth in Europe is happening. Europe is growing at a year-over-year growth rate of 14% for November, a growth rate that mirrors October’s result. I thought that Europe was in a bad spot and getting worse. I was under the impression that all of Europe was in a recession and that recruitment growth was on the same trend line. Monster indicates that is not so. In fact, consider the following from the December 2 Monster Index:
- Germany is up annually 30% year-over-year
- Engineering is the star performer of the industries tracked
- Engineering, transport, telecommunications, and production are all up over 25% this year
- UK is up 8% year-over-year
It is true that some markets are negative and trending more negative. For example Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands are all negative year-over-year. France and Sweden are relatively flat.
There is opportunity for those who are connected to make placements with employers and perhaps do international splits with recruiters working in Europe. If you are not asking your clients about what they do internationally, this may be the year to start paying attention to the opportunities for cross-border placements. If you are recruiting in a flat or down market in Europe, ask your clients what they are doing in Asia, North America, or South America. The more you grow your market coverage area, the more you can make your business immune to the constant gyrations of a local market.
