Two separate surveys released recently show evidence of a recovering economy and increased hiring in places like Mexico.

      The studies – from PricewaterhouseCoopers and Manpower Inc. – show confidence returning to the business world.

      The Manpower Employment Outlook indicates  job seekers across the United States, Mexico, Hong Kong and New Zealand are likely to see a continuation of solid employment prospects throughout the fourth quarter of 2004. Employers in 17 of 19 countries and territories say they expect positive hiring activity in the quarter, with 14 countries reporting stronger hiring levels compared to one year ago. Employers in Germany, Mexico and Hong Kong reported their most optimistic hiring intentions since Manpower began surveying in these countries. In the United States, seasonally adjusted results reveal continuing employer optimism and solid hiring levels for the final period of 2004.

      Meanwhile, PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Trendsetter Barometer interviewed CEOs of 392 privately-held product and service companies identified in the media as the fastest growing U.S. businesses over the last five years. The surveyed companies range in size from approximately $5 million to $150 million in revenue/sales.

      Although three in four fast growth CEOs expect the current economic upturn will have staying power, the vast majority are proceeding with caution—managing with a business planning cycle of one year or less. These business owners expect that over the next 12-24 months the two greatest new risks to their businesses will involve their success in hiring additional permanent, full-time employees and increasing their investments in training.

      Manpower finds Mexico in particular to be a hot spot for hiring.

      “The employment picture is notably improved from a year ago in most countries,” said Jeffrey A. Joerres, chairman and CEO of Manpower Inc. “However, seasonal hiring patterns are prominent in a number of countries where hiring is expected to soften moving from third quarter into the end of the year, when hiring typically slows.”

            Results from countries surveyed in the Americas also showed improved hiring levels compared to the same time last year. “In the U.S., employers are optimistic when compared to one year ago, however, companies are taking a measured approach when looking forward,” said Joerres. “The seasonally adjusted data reported for the Durable and Non-Durable Manufacturing sectors is the strongest ...

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