2Q Demand for Furniture Executives Abates

July 13, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on July 14, 2010

Demand for furniture executives abated during the second quarter of 2010, according to the latest newsletter from Furniture industry executive search firm Ariail & Associates, Greensboro, N.C.

"This directly relates to furniture demand and the summer 'non-selling' season," said Founder Randy Ariail in the report. "It also relates to a lack of cohesive direction regarding federal policy and the housing market. Most of our clients are running as lean as possible at this juncture, but we expect the demand for talent will pick up in the fall."

Ariail noted that the past couple of year's economic downturn was the only one in which truly outstanding furniture executives were unemployed.

"This trend has reversed and the cadre of talented people now find themselves successfully employed," Ariail said. "We are back to the norm of having to 'market' the opportunity to attract the 'A' players."

Several of Ariail & Associates' major engagements over the past few months have involved the search for senior manufacturing executives to start up new facilities in the United States.

"Our clients cite rising cost of container freight, being able to control quality and distribution and the rising cost of labor in China as reasons for starting up or expanding domestic manufacturing," Ariail said. "Recently, several Asian companies announced new U.S. manufacturing facilities. Is this a trend? Hard to say, but it's certainly noteworthy."

He also noted that a "less than robust economy" has led to increased resume inflation and falsification of credentials, even for senior management positions.

"Often, we see this in resumes sent to us by individuals who have submitted information in years past that leave out jobs on their 'new' resumes," Ariail said. "We also see degrees appear as if by magic and permanent short-term jobs listed as 'consulting assignments.' Sadly, we have seen this encouraged by many so called resume preparation services."

I reaction to that trend, when Ariail & Associates receives a resume that is solicited or unsolicited, it is compared to a database of several thousand managers and executives in the industry.

"We look for inconsistencies regarding employers, dates, positions, education, etc.," he said. "We conduct background checks on all final candidates with former employees, peers, subordinates and in many cases the retail community. We verify all college degrees. Additionally we conduct retail credit and criminal history checks. We get a release of liability signed to protect our firm and our client company.

"Due to almost epidemic misrepresentation of qualifications, I would encourage you to institute a similar process. I have seen this happen even at a CEO level."

Later this year, Ariail & Associates will launch a new website at ariailassoc.com with better navigation, quicker revisions, recent newsletters and easier resume/CV submission for candidates.

"We should have a beta the end of August and a launch by High Point Market," Ariail said.