Even with the uncertainty how the government shutdown will impact the economy in the next few months, the overall state of the economy seems strong. According to the Institute for Supply Management manufacturers increased hiring for the third month in a row, while overall unemployment looks like it held steady at 7.3% in September. The ISM reported that employment registered 55.4 percent on their index for September, which is an increase of 2.1 percentage points higher than August’s reading of 53.3 percent. That is the highest reading for the year. Their data also showed that the overall economy grew for the 52nd consecutive month. Many of their panel members said that they are generally positive about the state of their businesses and optimistic about increasing demand and improving business conditions.
As the market continues to track in a positive direction the trend of offer turndowns and counter-offers is continuing to rise. The combination of companies that are willing to fight to retain talent and a lack of a commitment to make a change a by candidates who are willing to interview is continuing to elongate and complicate hiring processes.