US executive recruiters’ confidence in the executive employment market reached a 22-month high in April, according to ExecuNet’s Recruiter Confidence Index data.

Of the 186 search firm respondents, 64% expect more senior-management hiring over the next six months, matching the tally recorded in June 2008. The confidence level was more pronounced among retained executive search consultants, which indicates that an increasing number of employers are investing in or expected to soon commit to strategic executive hires as the economy improves.

Introduced in May 2003, ExecuNet’s Recruiter Confidence Index is based on a monthly survey of US executive search firms. A reading above 50% indicates recruiters expect the number of search assignments in the next six months will increase.

Recruiter confidence highest since June 2008

Source: ExecuNet