A survey of job seeker behaviours and motivations
2010 EDITION (U.K.)
www.simplyhired.co.uk
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Today’s Job Seeker Report
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PART 1: The Job Search Process Actively Seeking Work Salary Security Job Search Slowly Becoming Social Seeking Seasonal Work The Perfect CV p. 2 p. 3 p. 4 p. 5 p. 6 p. 7 p. 8 ABOUT p. 17 PART 2: Job Seeker Requirements Balancing Work and Life Working Close to Home Going Green p. 9 p. 10 p. 11 p. 12 PART 3: Aid for Job Seekers Government Assistance Family Bene?ts Retirement and Pension Plans p. 13 p. 14 p. 15 p. 16
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Contents | 1
Today’s Job Seeker Report
Today’s job seeker is part of a tech-savvy and passionate group actively looking for lifestyle-accommodating work through social networking sites.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Due to the recovering economy, today’s job seeker is actively searching for work by incorporating new job search methods, such as online social networks, to discover opportunities. Today’s job seeker is part of a multifaceted group of candidates who are selective in their search, yet are cautiously taking steps to remain ?exible and desirable. Job seekers are proving they have the drive to land their perfect job.
BECOMING A DESIRABLE CANDIDATE
The results from our 2009-2010 surveys indicate that job seekers today are working to recession-proof their careers by taking steps to become more desirable candidates for employers. Job seekers customise their CVs to each potential job, take classes to improve their skills and seek seasonal jobs to gain work experience.
TODAY’S JOB SEEKERS ARE SELECTIVE...
36% say that a work/life balance is the most important
consideration when looking for a job
59% are interested in a green career 51%
say working for an environmentally-responsible employer is very important
60% want to commute to the office in less than an hour 68% believe men should have more family-related
work bene?ts, such as paternity leave and ?exible schedules
SEARCHING FOR THE RIGHT JOB
According to surveys on SimplyHired.co.uk, job seekers prefer ful?lling work that accommodates their lifestyle. In addition, job seekers are stating new work requirements: job seekers want more family-friendly bene?ts, “green” initiatives and a shorter commute. But the “perfect” job comes with personal ful?llment: most job seekers state work/life balance is the most important consideration in a new job.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND JOB SEARCH
Today’s job seekers are active and tech-savvy with over half saying they use social media for professional networking, LinkedIn being the most popular (38%). Among those who use social media in their job search, 14% of job seekers devote all of their time searching on social media sites, however, a stunning one out of ?ve people polled were unfamiliar with social media sites.
…BUT CAN BE FLEXIBLE IF NECESSARY
35% would consider relocating depending on the job offer 53% do not plan to take a summer holiday in order to
search for a job
30% say they never expect to retire 38% say they are willing to take a pay cut to avoid
redundancy
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Executive Summary | 2
Part 1: The Job Search Process
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
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. User polls revealed that 58% of job seekers on SimplyHired.co.uk are currently unemployed, and many have been out of work for more than six months (37%). With the national unemployment rate close to 8%, according to the Office for National Statistics, more people than ever are looking for jobs in this tough economy, making the job search process a much longer one: the average job seeker spends 6-15 hours per week on the search (35%), with 22% spending 36 hours or more per week.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN LOOKING FOR A JOB?
HOW LONG DO YOU SPEND SEARCHING FOR A JOB EACH WEEK?
11%
More than 6 months
37%
11%
Less than 5 hours
35%
A few months
32%
26–35 hours
6–15 hours
A few weeks 10%
A few days
9%
21%
16–25 hours
36 hours or more Just browsing 12%
22%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Part 1: The Job Search Process | 4
SALARY SECURITY
Many currently employed job seekers believe their salary bracket has been damaged by the current recession. In fact, 85% of job seekers believe that employees are paid less due to increased competition, while 7% believe they are more valuable now and that their salary bracket has increased. Many job seekers (38%) would be willing to take a pay cut to avoid redundancy due to fears of not being able to ?nd a new job, or if it would help their colleagues keep their current jobs (33%). Rather than a payrise, 57% would be willing to take an increase in vacation entitlement. But job seekers aren’t taking these salary concerns sitting down: in an attempt to recession-proof their career, 34% are taking classes to improve their skills, and 10% are attending networking events.
WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO TAKE A PAY CUT TO AVOID REDUNDANCY?
WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO TAKE AN INCREASE IN VACATION ENTITLEMENT RATHER THAN A PAYRISE?
Yes, I’m afraid I won’t be able to ?nd a new job
Yes
No
38%
Yes, if it will also help my colleagues keep their jobs
57%
Employees are paid less due to increased competition I am more valuable now and my salary bracket is higher No impact 7% 8%
43%
85%
33%
No, I can ?nd a new job that would pay what I’m worth
HOW DO YOU THINK THE RECESSION HAS IMPACTED YOUR SALARY BRACKET?
29%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Part 1: The Job Search Process | 5
JOB SEARCH SLOWLY BECOMING SOCIAL
Networking isn’t the most common way to look for work—81% have never attended an in-person networking event. However, social media is slowly working its way into the job search: over half of those polled say they use social networking when job searching, with 18% using Facebook and 31% LinkedIn. Only 14% say they occasionally search for jobs via social media sites because the hardest part is ?nding quality listings (41%). With half of all hiring estimated to be done through referrals, connecting to social and professional networks is key to getting an inside track on a job. Using social sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn can uncover unknown connections and get your resume in the right hands at a company.
– Gautam Godhwani, co-founder and CEO of Simply Hired
WHICH SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES DO YOU USE IN YOUR JOB SEARCH?
HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR LAST JOB?
I don’t use social networks LinkedIn
37% 31%
Recruiter
41%
Networking Job board 12%
21%
Facebook Twitter 9%
18%
Newspaper
10%
MySpace
2%
Staffing agency Company career site 3%
10%
Plaxo
1% 2%
Other
Trade publication site
3%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Part 1: The Job Search Process | 6
SEEKING SEASONAL WORK
Over half of job seekers didn’t plan to take a proper summer holiday. Poll ?ndings state that 88% of job seekers sought a summer job to earn extra spending money (40%), gain work experience (36%) and help support their family (32%). Of those seeking summer work, 54% were looking for full-time work and 42% part-time, and expected to have the best luck in the retail (32%), office (29%) and restaurant industries (25%). Employers ramp up hiring during the holiday seasons to prepare for the jump in business, speci?cally looking for part-time and temporary positions. These opportunities are a great way to get a foot-in-the-door at any company, and could lead to full-time employment or great referrals to aid a continued search.
– Gautam Godhwani, co-founder and CEO of Simply Hired
DO YOU HAVE A SUMMER JOB?
DO YOU PLAN TO TAKE SUMMER HOLIDAY?
3%
No, still looking Yes, I’ve already started Yes, got one lined up No, not looking 6% 5%
88%
Maybe, if I can get time off 22%
1%
Maybe, if I can afford it
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A JOB THIS SUMMER?
Nope, no plans
54% 42%
Yes, can’t wait 22%
53%
Yes, a full-time job Yes, a part-time job No 4%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Part 1: The Job Search Process | 7
THE PERFECT CV
Today’s job seeker is anything but unprepared, especially when it comes to their CV: 57% of job seekers custom tailor and update their CVs with each potential job, and 38% create their own kind of CV rather than following standard chronological (17%) or functional (9%) formats. Although 79% of job seekers have not used a professional CV service, 42% say they would consider getting professional CV assistance during their unemployment to help in their job search.
WHAT KIND OF CV DO YOU HAVE?
DO YOU TAILOR YOUR CV FOR EACH POTENTIAL JOB?
Yes
27%
No
Combination of chronological and functional
57%
I’ve created my own kind of CV
38%
No, but I’d consider it No, I’m con?dent in my own CV writing skills Yes, totally worth it Chronological Yes, but I wouldn’t again
17%
43%
42% 39% 10% 9%
Video CV
1%
HAVE YOU EVER USED A PROFESSIONAL CV SERVICE?
8%
CV? I just sent my portfolio Functional
9%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Part 1: The Job Search Process | 8
Part 2: Job Seeker Requirements
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Part 2: Job Seeker Requirements | 9
BALANCING WORK AND LIFE
While salary and bene?ts are important, today’s job seeker is looking for more than a career—they want a labour of love. Although ?nding a job remains a challenge for many, the main career goal in 2010 for 81% of job seekers is to ?nd a job they are passionate about and not “just a job”. The most popular career resolution for this year was to improve work/life balance (41%), and 36% said that work/life balance is the most important consideration when looking for a job, followed by a competitive salary (31%) and training opportunities (28%).
WHAT CAREER RESOLUTIONS ARE YOU MAKING FOR 2010?
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION WHEN LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB? Work/life balance Competitive salary 36% 31% 28% 4% 1%
Improve my work/life balance Learn a new language or skill Expand my professional network Volunteer to lead a company project Become active in an industry organisation Find a mentor None 6% 17% 14%
41%
Training opportunities Ability to travel CSR initiatives
WHAT CAREER GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR 2010? 4% 4% Find a job I love Get a payrise or promotion Avoid redundancy 14% None 10% 5% 4% 81%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Part 2: Job Seeker Requirements | 10
WORKING CLOSE TO HOME
Even in a state of unemployment, job seekers are hesitant to pack up and move with the offer of a job in a new city. While some would consider relocating depending on the job offer (35%) and the location (19%), 22% say “no way” to making a move for a job. User polls also found that 60% want to commute less than one hour, and although they would welcome the opportunity, 48% say their current job does not offer the option to work from home.
HOW LONG OF A COMMUTE ARE YOU WILLING TO TRAVEL TO WORK EACH WAY? Less than one hour 1–2 hours 2–3 hours More than 3 hours 4% 6% 30% 60%
WOULD YOU RELOCATE FOR A JOB?
22% No way
35%
DOES YOUR COMPANY ALLOW EMPLOYEES TO WORK FROM HOME?
5%
It depends on the company
It depends on the job offer
No Yes, for any reason Yes, in special circumstances Don’t know 4% 24% 24%
48%
It depends on the location 19% Absolutely
19%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Part 2: Job Seeker Requirements | 11
GOING GREEN
Job seekers are seeing “green” in 2010, with 59% interested in ?nding a green career and 71% believing alternative energy production to be the industry in the most need. More than half of job seekers say working for an environmentally-responsible employer is important, with recycling (58%) and reduced energy use (54%) being the most important green initiatives sought in a potential employer. Green jobs and clean technology jobs are becoming increasingly popular among job seekers and available among employers. Green jobs are making their way to the forefront of future employment needs, and many job seekers are eager to step into this industry.
– Gautam Godhwani, co-founder and CEO of Simply Hired
WHICH GREEN FIELD WILL BE IN MOST NEED IN THE UPCOMING YEARS?
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN FINDING A “GREEN” CAREER?
Alternative energy production
Natural resource conservation
Yes No 28% 13%
59%
71%
Green IT
14%
Green building construction
Don’t know
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO YOU THAT YOUR EMPLOYER IS ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE? Very important Somewhat important Not important Don’t know 1% 19% 29% 51%
10%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
5%
Part 2: Job Seeker Requirements | 12
Part 3: Aid for Job Seekers
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Part 3: Aid for Job Seekers | 13
GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
When the job search gets tough, sometimes support from others is exactly what job seekers need, including aid from the government. While 12% of those polled feel accepting government aid would be embarrassing, 36% are currently receiving a job seeker’s allowance and 26% say they don’t qualify. Meanwhile, 54% say they would consider taking advantage of the government’s guaranteed job, education or training programmes for job seekers who have been unemployed for more than six months, while 21% say they don’t qualify for such programmes due to their age.
DO YOU RECEIVE THE JOB SEEKER’S ALLOWANCE?
6%
WILL YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S GUARANTEED JOB, EDUCATION OR TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR JOB SEEKERS WHO HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS?
What is the Job Seeker’s Allowance?
26%
Yes
54%
No, I don’t qualify
Yes
36%
No, I’m too old to qualify
21%
No, I don’t believe it would bene?t me
15%
No, it’s embarrassing
12%
No, I can’t be bothered No, I am currently employed
I don’t know
7%
No, I can’t be bothered
3%
3%
17%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Part 3: Aid for Job Seekers | 14
FAMILY BENEFITS
Family-related bene?ts seem to be hard to come by in the workplace: 74% say their current companies do not provide any family-friendly bene?ts, and 52% would not describe their company as “family-friendly” at all. Polls also show that 68% believe men should have more family-related work bene?ts, such as paternity leave and ?exible schedules, and that 58% of the currently employed do not believe mums are treated fairly in the office when it comes to salary or advancement. When it comes to childcare, however, the numbers are more evenly distributed: while 30% of parents say their company is not ?exible around scheduling childcare and that they are discouraged from making such requests, 29% say they can make childcare changes when emergencies arise and 26% say they can adjust their hours as needed.
WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR COMPANY AS FAMILY-FRIENDLY?
DOES YOUR COMPANY PROVIDE FAMILY-FRIENDLY BENEFITS?
No
52%
Yes
Yes
37% 11%
17%
Don’t know
Don’t know
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY’S POSITION ON SCHEDULING AROUND CHILDCARE? Not ?exible Somewhat ?exible Very ?exible Don’t know 15% 30% 29% 26%
9%
No
74%
Part 3: Aid for Job Seekers | 15
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
RETIREMENT AND PENSION PLANS
Many job seekers are staying in the working world longer than ever—30% of those surveyed say they never expect to retire because they don’t believe they’ll be ?nancially stable when the time comes. When seeking employment, half of job seekers say a pension plan is important, 75% do not have a private pension plan and 81% believe state pension will not support their retirement. If retirement is accomplished, however, 53% would choose to retire abroad.
WHEN DO YOU EXPECT TO RETIRE?
ARE YOU CURRENTLY CONTRIBUTING TO A PRIVATE PENSION SCHEME?
Yes
21%
No
Before the State Pension age
30%
25%
Very important Not important
75%
50% 22% 15% 13%
Never
HOW IMPORTANT TO YOU IS THE AVAILABILITY OF A CONTRIBUTORY PENSION SCHEME WHEN CONSIDERING A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER?
At the State Pension age
22%
After the State Pension age
27%
Somewhat important I don’t know
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
Part 3: Aid for Job Seekers | 16
ABOUT THESE POLLS
Simply Hired, Inc. conducted over 60 user polls on its SimplyHired.co.uk property from October 2009 through August 2010. Each poll ran for at least three weeks and received 85,000 impressions on average.
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.co.uk” and include a link to our homepage, http://www.simplyhired.co.uk. 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.co.uk) 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
Annie Klein Schwartz Communications ph: +44 (0) 208 432 4686 simplyhireduk@schwartzcomm.com
Stay Connected
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Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
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