The AESC State of the Executive Search Industry Report for 2012 was just recent released. And, it contained some encouraging news for Chief Financial Officers and other C-suite executives.
“Despite the number of new executive search mandates falling 7.1 per cent in 2012 from 2011, continued growth was recorded in the level of fees for assignments (up 1.7 per cent annually in 2012), indicating continued demand for the high-end of search and leadership consulting.”
Recruiters fees are up for high-end searches. That’s great. That means there are opportunities for you, and more to the point, a slight increase in opportunities for you.
Industry searches increased slightly from 2011 to 2012 within Technology, Non-profit, and Consumer Products; with decreases within the Financial, Life Sciences / Healthcare sectors, and Industrial sectors. Searches in the United States grew Q42011 to Q42012 by 8.6%.
That’s positive news … but are you receiving calls regularly from recruiters for the opportunities you want? If not, why not? That’s a question that deserves serious contemplation.
If you are receiving calls but never make it to a) the interview or b) top 3 candidate selection, why not? Another excellent contemplative question.
Even with these slow growth trends, the market is still tight and the hiring process is agonizingly slow. Planning 9-12 months in advance of actually wanting to make a move will help ensure that it’s a smooth transition from one position to another – and that you can move where you want to move rather than moving out of desperate need – without the black mark of “unemployment” in between those moves.
Cindy,
These are excellent points you bring up. I love your contemplative questions, but you do know you’re leaving your readers wanting more, right?
Best,
Samuel
You’re so kind, Samuel! Thank you!!