Executives So-So On Jobs Outlook

A recent survey conducted by ExecuNet, an online career management service, reveals executives have not significantly changed their views on the employment market. According to the survey of 206 executives, 43% describe conditions in the executive employment market over the past 30 days as "improving" -- down slightly from 44% in February -- 54% say the market is "flat," and just 3% believe it is "getting worse." Those who are "confident" or "very confident" the executive employment market will improve in the next six months dropped to 37% in March from 38% in February. Just 12% are "not confident" the job market will improve in the six months ahead and 51% are "somewhat confident." "Concerns about job creation are overshadowing any and all positive economic news," says Mark Anderson, president of ExecuNet. "While executives aren't very optimistic about the market, recruiters are reporting an increase in search assignment at this level, which suggests confidence will improve in the months ahead."