A survey of job seeker behaviors and motivations
2010 EDITION (U.S.)
www.simplyhired.com
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 1: General Insights into Today’s Job Seeker | 1
Today’s Job Seeker Report
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART 1: The Job Search Process Actively Seeking Work Job Search Goes Online Social Networking and Referrals PART 2: Job Seeker Requirements Passion for Work Workplace Preferences Working Close to Home p. 2 p. 3 p. 4 p. 5 p. 6 PART 4: Job Seeker Groups p. 7 p. 8 p. 9 p. 10 ABOUT p. 20 Mothers New Graduates Workers Over 55 p. 16 p. 17 p. 18 p. 19 PART 3: Changes in the Job Market Seeking Seasonal Work Going Green Transferring Skills to New Careers The Dream of Self-Employment p. 11 p. 12 p. 13 p. 14 p. 15
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Contents | 1
Today’s Job Seeker Report
Today’s job seeker is part of a selective, independent and passionate group actively searching for work through social networking and personalized online job sites
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Due to the rising popularity of online job search sites, social networks and personalized search tools, today’s job seeker is active and selective in the recovering job market. The current recession has created a new group of varied candidates—distinctive in their job search methods and what they want from their career. Together, these job seekers are proving that the search is always on for the next great job.
TECH-SAVVY & SOCIAL JOB SEEKERS
The results of our 2009-2010 polls show that the Internet is the number one channel for job search, with 86% of job seekers looking for jobs online. Social media is also a vital tool for today’s job seeker—32% find jobs through networking which is moving online, with LinkedIn (45%) and Facebook (24%) considered the most effective social networks for job search. These sites are converging with online job sites to bring traditional networking online.
TODAY’S JOB SEEKERS ARE SELECTIVE AND PASSIONATE...
83% of job seekers would rather have a job they love
than a job that pays well
46% said that healthcare/insurance is
non-negotiable
52% would prefer to work for green-certified companies 59% would rather work from home doing
contract jobs for various companies than work full-time in an office for one company (41%)
SELECTIVE & PASSIONATE JOB SEEKERS
According to recent polls conducted by Simply Hired, the ways in which job seekers find their next positions and their views on what “work” means is varied. Job seekers are looking to personalized job sites and social networks to discover jobs, and they want to feel passionate about the work they do, whether it is by working at green businesses, doing meaningful work, or being self-employed.
ATTRACTING TODAY’S JOB SEEKER
Today’s job seekers are tech-savvy candidates who hold strong convictions and are not afraid to try something new. Standard job search tools and a single method of recruitment are not enough. If employers adjust their recruitment efforts by connecting with candidates on popular social networking sites, offering personalized work benefits and providing flexible work hours for families, they can reach more eligible candidates and retain their star employees.
38% of mothers would want a job with better family
benefits or schedule flexibility while 44% of fathers would rather be a stay-at-home dad
...BUT SOME MAY HAVE TO SETTLE
88% of job seekers will accept summer work to help
support their family
65% would consider a career change 57% of older workers state the recession has delayed
their retirement
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Executive Summary | 2
Part 1: The Job Search Process
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 1: The Job Search Process | 3
ACTIVELY SEEKING WORK
While some of the currently-employed remain on the lookout for new job opportunities, many of those seeking work are in dire need of it, with 69% of job seekers on SimplyHired.com being unemployed. Most have been laid off from their previous positions and have been out of work for more than six months. With the national unemployment rate close to 10%, more people than ever are looking for jobs in this tough economy: the average job seeker sends up to 10 resumes per week, 20% spend 36 hours or more per week job searching and 53% spend all day, every day, seeking work.
WHY ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A JOB?
HOW LONG DO YOU SPEND SEARCHING FOR A JOB EACH WEEK?
11%
Laid off Better opportunity Relocating Returning to workforce Career change Fired Supplemental income 8% 8% 7% 6% 6% 20%
45%
Less than 5 hours
26%
20%
6–15 hours
36 hours or more
16–25 hours 26–35 hours
22% 21%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 1: The Job Search Process | 4
JOB SEARCH GOES ONLINE
The days of face-to-face applications and newspaper ads are dwindling: 86% of job seekers search online using various job boards (36%), company career sites (27%) and social networking websites (19%). For tech-savvy new grads, that number is higher; 88% of recent graduates plan to search for their first job out of college on online job search sites. The online job search has become increasingly personalized and social in nature. Job seekers today leverage both professional and social networks to find previously unknown connections at companies of interest.
– Gautam Godhwani, Co-founder and CEO of Simply Hired
WHERE DO YOU PREFER TO FIND JOB LISTINGS?
WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR JOBS?
19%
Internet Newspaper 39% 32% 29% 23% 19% 10% 9%
86%
Networking
36%
11%
Networking Staffing agency Recruiter Professional organizations
Staffing agency
Job board
Company career site
Recruiter
Outplacement agency
7%
College career center
27%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 1: The Job Search Process | 5
SOCIAL NETWORKING AND REFERRALS
In today’s job market, it’s all about who you know, with over half of workers having been hired through a friend’s referral at some point. In fact, 37% of job seekers landed their last position through someone they know, whether it be through networking on sites like LinkedIn (45%) and Facebook (24%), or attending networking events. Job search is no longer an individual process, with almost one out of three job seekers preferring to find new jobs through networking. In fact, 58% of job seekers tell everyone they know that they are looking for a new job with the hope that someone can help out.
WHICH SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES DO YOU USE IN YOUR JOB SEARCH?
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR LAST JOB?
LinkedIn Facebook Twitter MySpace Plaxo I don’t use social networks Other 7% 11% 8% 3% 24%
45%
Networking
37%
Job board
20%
Company career site
15%
Staffing agency 36% Recruiter
15%
13%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 1: The Job Search Process | 6
Part 2: Job Seeker Requirements
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 2: Job Seeker Requirements | 7
PASSION FOR WORK
While salary and benefits are important, today’s job seeker is looking for more than a career—they want a labor of love. Although jobs are currently hard to come by, the main career goal in 2010 for 83% of job seekers was to find a job they love and not “just a job.” And it’s the work itself that makes job seekers love their job. A recent poll found that 38% say doing something meaningful is the biggest motivation at work, and when faced with the choice between finding a job they love or one that pays well, an overwhelming 5 out of 6 job seekers stated they’d rather have a job they love than bring in the big bucks.
WHAT WOULD MAKE A JOB, A JOB YOU LOVE?
8%
WOULD YOU RATHER...
Find a job you love for lower pay?
The location
83%
8% 4% 3% 2%
Find a job that pays well that you don’t like?
17%
83%
37%
29%
WHAT CAREER GOAL DO YOU HAVE FOR 2010?
The people
The work
Find a job I love Challenge myself Get a raise
The benefits
6%
The pay
Get a promotion None
20%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 2: Job Seeker Requirements | 8
WORKPLACE PREFERENCES
Despite the high unemployment rate, many job seekers aren’t willing to budge on what they want from their job. Whether it’s mobility, flexibility, a short commute or benefits, job seekers won’t settle for an opportunity that doesn’t fit their lifestyle: 46% of job seekers said that healthcare/insurance is non-negotiable, 46% said working close to home is important and 60% said they would prefer to telecommute. Beyond the standard benefits, job seekers are stating new requirements, such as the demand for green jobs, with 52% preferring green companies and opportunities for learning and career growth (40%). However, they are willing to give up benefits they don’t find important—21% of job seekers would give up their office to keep a job and 14% would give up their vacation days.
HOW IMPORTANT IS LOCATION IN YOUR SEARCH?
WHAT WORK-RELATED BENEFIT OR AMENITY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE FOR YOU?
I need to work close to home It depends on the job I’ll go where the jobs are 30% 24%
46%
25% Salary
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERENCE TOWARDS GREEN COMPANIES?
Stock options 2% 7% Length of vacation time Commute/ Transportation 12% 401(k)/ Retirement options 8%
Healthcare/ Insurance
46%
I prefer them I avoid them Not sure 19% 29%
52%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 2: Job Seeker Requirements | 9
WORKING CLOSE TO HOME
Job seekers have spoken: they want to work as close to home as possible. While some would consider relocating for a job depending on the opportunity, more than half of job seekers would prefer to telecommute than work in an office and most would turn down a job that they felt to be too far away. With 71% of workers driving themselves to work—as opposed to taking public transportation (20%) and carpooling with others (3%)—user polls found that 43% of job seekers will consider working 30 minutes to an hour from home, while 38% want to work less than 30 minutes away.
HOW FAR FROM HOME ARE YOU WILLING TO WORK?
3%
WOULD YOU RELOCATE FOR A JOB?
Absolutely
More than 2 hours 38% Less than 30 minutes
22%
It depends on the job offer
37%
30 minutes to an hour
43%
It depends on the location
18%
90 minutes to 2 hours
It depends on the company
An hour to 90 minutes
4%
No way
19%
4% 12%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 2: Job Seeker Requirements | 10
Part 3: Changes in the Job Market
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 3: Changes in the Job Market | 11
SEEKING SEASONAL WORK
More than half of job seekers did not plan to take a vacation this summer because most were actively looking for work. Poll findings state that over half of job seekers were looking for summer work to help support their family. On average, job seekers find jobs online and 65% are looking for full-time summer work. The most popular seasonal work is in the tourism industry, followed by retail and office work. Taking a part-time or temporary position during the summer or holiday season can be a way to get a foot-in-the-door at any company, and could lead to fulltime employment in the future or referrals to other jobs.
– Gautam Godhwani, Co-founder and CEO of Simply Hired
WHY ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SUMMER JOB?
HOW DO YOU TYPICALLY FIND A SUMMER JOB?
Help support my family Gain work experience Extra spending money Pay for school 18% 17% 14%
51%
19% Friends or family Through an existing job or activity
DO YOU PLAN TO TAKE A VACATION THIS SUMMER?
6%
Search online
58%
Yes, can’t wait! Maybe - if I can afford it Maybe - if I can get time off No, no plans 3%
15% 26%
8%
Other Newspaper
56%
9%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 3: Changes in the Job Market | 12
GOING GREEN
In December 2009, President Obama signed into law the 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which features the first ever report that will measure “green-collar” jobs to identify green economic activity, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is evidence that going green in the workplace is not just a trend—it may become a standard. In fact, for many job seekers, it already is: 52% of people would prefer to work at green-certified companies. And many believe alternative energy production is the hot green field for the upcoming years, followed by green construction and retrofitting. The most sought out eco-initiative at potential companies is recycling, followed by reduced energy use and paper usage.
WHICH GREEN FIELD WILL BE IN MOST NEED IN UPCOMING YEARS?
13%
WHICH ECO-FRIENDLY INITIATIVE DO YOU LOOK FOR AT POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS?
9%
Eco-friendly products Natural resource conservation
Recycling
58%
Reducing energy use
36%
18%
Green building construction & retrofitting
Alternative energy production
Using less paper
36%
60%
Purchasing green products 22%
Carpooling/Rideshares
20%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 3: Changes in the Job Market | 13
TRANSFERRING SKILLS TO NEW CAREERS
As opportunities in certain industries decrease and new industries appear, many job seekers are now looking to transfer their job skills to new careers. More than half of job seekers would consider a career change, either because they can’t find a job in their industry (37%) or they are unhappy with their current career (28%). Another 23% would consider a career change depending on the opportunity. To break into a new career, job seekers are willing to start at the bottom: 35% of job seekers would return to school for a career change, 10% would take an unpaid internship and another 42% would consider an internship depending on the experience or company. The number of career hoppers isn’t surprising when you consider this: 53% of workers are already in a career that’s not even relevant to their college major.
WOULD YOU CONSIDER A CAREER CHANGE?
IS YOUR CURRENT CAREER RELEVANT TO YOUR COLLEGE MAJOR?
Yes, can’t find a job in current career Yes, unhappy with current career Maybe, depends on the opportunity
37%
Yes
26%
Somewhat
28%
23%
21%
No, I love what I do
7%
Not even close
No, too late to learn something new
5%
53%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 3: Changes in the Job Market | 14
THE DREAM OF SELF-EMPLOYMENT
The days of working “nine-to-five” are becoming less common, as some professionals are choosing the self-employment route. Recent polls found that if given the choice, 59% of job seekers would prefer to work from home doing contract jobs for various companies rather than working full-time in an office for one company (41%). Benefits such as being able to work from home (31%) and setting your own hours (25%) are alluring, especially for parents. But the biggest attraction is being able to choose work that you like (34%), and job seekers want to be in charge: 28% of workers would start their own company and another 36% would consider it.
WOULD YOU EVER START YOUR OWN COMPANY?
WHY MIGHT YOU CONSIDER WORKING AS A CONTRACTOR?
10%
Definitely
28%
No way
Possibly, I’d consider it
36% 18%
I can set my own rate
34%
I can choose the work I like
31% I can work from home
18%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Already have
I can set my own hours
25%
Part 3: Changes in the Job Market | 15
Part 4: Job Seeker Groups
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 4: Job Seeker Groups | 16
MOTHERS
After standard maternity leave (three months off to care for children after birth or adoption) mothers are returning to the workforce in large numbers, preferring parttime (33%) and full-time (34%) work to being a stay-at-home mom (33%). Two out of five mothers are looking for jobs at employers that support working mothers. Mothers state their biggest concern is their work/life balance: they need flexible schedules most of all, as well as childcare services and the option to telecommute. More than half of mothers polled would consider changing jobs to receive a better pay, and 38% would want a job with better family benefits or schedule flexibility.
WHICH KIND OF WORKING MOTHER PROGRAM IS MOST IMPORTANT?
AS A WORKING MOM, ARE YOU INTERESTED IN CHANGING JOBS?
Flextime schedules
43%
Yes, for more pay/better opportunity
Child care services
18%
51%
No
Telecommuting Parental leave (e.g. child sick days) Compressed workweeks 4%
18%
Yes, for better family benefits/flexibility
14%
38% 11%
Job-sharing
3%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 4: Job Seeker Groups | 17
NEW GRADUATES
Recent graduates may have the benefit of a fresh perspective, high energy and a quality education, but only one out of five graduates is employed at the time of graduation. Most new grads are seeking associate/assistant titles in their first job out of college and the most important quality of a first job for new grads is the opportunity to learn and develop their career; second is salary. Hiring organizations are very interested in bringing on young professionals because of their energy and willingness to get the job done, even if that means early mornings and late nights. They also come at a lower cost than seasoned professionals.
– Gautam Godhwani, Co-founder and CEO of Simply Hired
DID YOU HAVE A JOB LINED UP WHEN YOU GRADUATED?
WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT IN YOUR FIRST JOB?
Yes, all set
20%
No, took a while
No, still looking
Opportunities to learn & develop career Salary & benefits Work/life balance Finding a great mentor 6% 5% 4% 3% 25% 17%
40%
43% 15%
22%
No, found one soon after
Testing possible career paths Challenging work Growing your professional network
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
Part 4: Job Seeker Groups | 18
WORKERS OVER 55
The recession has delayed retirement for more than half of job seekers who, on average, expect to retire after age 70. Not only are older people working full-time later into life, but 44% also expect to work part-time even when retired. According to a 2009 report by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, concerns about financial security is the main reason workers are postponing retirement altogether (89%). Mature workers, although valued for their level of experience and outstanding work ethic, say that online job search favors younger workers, and believe that technical skills requirements put them at a disadvantage. However, seasoned workers are growing their presence online: the age category of 55+ on Facebook has increased by an overwhelming 922% since 2009, according to iStrategyLabs.
HAS THE RECESSION AFFECTED YOUR RETIREMENT PLANS?
DO YOU PLAN TO WORK REDUCED HOURS WHILE IN RETIREMENT?
Yes, delayed my retirement Yes, forced me to retire early Somewhat, had to re-evaluate Not at all 9% 21% 13%
57%
Yes
44%
Not sure
WHEN DO YOU PLAN TO RETIRE? Before 55 56–60 61–65 66–70 After 70 7% 11% 24% 27% 31%
28%
No
28%
Part 4: Job Seeker Groups | 19
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
ABOUT THESE POLLS
Simply Hired, Inc. conducted over 75 user polls on its SimplyHired.com property from August 2009 through August 2010. Each poll ran for more than two weeks and received at least 500 votes and 1.5 million impressions on average. Not all poll results included in this report are displayed visually.
USING THIS DATA
Simply Hired, Inc. grants permission to freely copy, publish and repurpose the data included in this report for media, education, research and the promotion of this work, provided that no changes or alterations are made to excerpts. Full attribution of authorship must be made to “SimplyHired.com” and include a link to our homepage, http://www.simplyhired.com. Any images directly from this report must be shown with the following copyright notice below the graphic: “© 2010 Simply Hired, Inc.”
ABOUT SIMPLY HIRED
With more than seven million job listings worldwide, Simply Hired (www.simplyhired.com) is the world’s largest job search engine and recruitment advertising network. The company powers jobs on over 10,000 network partner sites, and operates global sites in 21 countries and ten languages on six continents. Simply Hired has raised $22.3 million in funding from venture and individual investors including Foundation Capital, IDG Ventures and News Corporation. The company is privately held and is based in Mountain View, California.
PRESS CONTACT
Allison Bedard Schwartz Communications ph: +1 415.512.0770 simplyhired@schwartzcomm.com
Stay Connected
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© 2010 Simply Hired, Inc.
+1 650.930.1000
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
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