Job-Listings Index Shows Increased Demand For Executives

Third-quarter 1999 escalated a trend in demand for executives -- especially those in general management -- says Exec-U-Net's third-quarter 1999 Executive Market Demand Index study of job listings. Overall, demand for executives jumped 24% in third-quarter 1999 vs third-quarter 1998. First and second quarter 1999 grew 16% and 27% respectively over same quarter 1998. By function, general management demand skyrocketed 53% compared with third quarter 1998. Position listings for CEOs grew by 62%; GMs and division managers, 49%; sales and marketing executives, 40%; and MIS executives, 38%. By industry, high tech demand led with 55% growth; business services gained 42% and retail/distribution, 41%. By region, the West Coast led with a 59% demand increase; the Southwest saw a 40% increase. The Mid-Atlantic region slipped to 4% growth. For the first time this year, international demand exceeded 1998 quarterly growth with a 2% climb in third-quarter demand. Positions at the $250K-plus level still led the pack, but slowed to third-quarter growth of 42% from second-quarter growth of 54%.