Today’s Job Seeker Report

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 p. 2

PART 1: The Job Search Process p. 3 PART 2: Job Seeker Requirements p. 9 PART 3: Aid for Job Seekers p. 13
Actively Seeking Work p. 4 Balancing Work and Life p. 10 Government Assistance p. 14
Salary Security p. 5 Working Close to Home p. 11 Family Benefits p. 15
Job Search Slowly Becoming Social p. 6 Going Green p. 12 Retirement and Pension Plans p. 16
Seeking Seasonal Work p. 7
The Perfect CV p. 8 ABOUT p. 17

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
flexible and desirable. Job seekers are proving they
have the drive to land their perfect job.
SEARCHING FOR THE RIGHT JOB
According to surveys on SimplyHired.co.uk, job seek-
ers prefer fulfilling work that accommodates their
lifestyle. In addition, job seekers are stating new work
requirements: job seekers want more family-friendly
benefits, “green” initiatives and a shorter commute.
But the “perfect” job comes with personal fulfillment:
most job seekers state work/life balance is the most
important consideration in a new job.
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.)
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.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND JOB SEARCH
Today’s job seekers are active and tech-savvy with
over half saying they use social media for profes-
sional 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 five people polled were unfamiliar with
social media sites.
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 benefits, such as paternity leave and flexible
schedules
…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
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 opportuni-
ties, 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%

Less than
5 hours
11% 35%
A few months 32%
26–35 hours
6–15 hours
A few weeks 10%

16–25 hours
A few days 9%
21%

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 find 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 WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO TAKE AN INCREASE IN VACATION
REDUNDANCY? ENTITLEMENT RATHER THAN A PAYRISE?

Yes, I’m afraid I won’t be able to find a new job Yes No

38% 57% 43%
Yes, if it will also help my colleagues keep their jobs HOW DO YOU THINK THE RECESSION HAS IMPACTED YOUR SALARY

33% BRACKET?

Employees are paid less due

85%
to increased competition

No, I can find a new job that would pay what I’m worth I am more valuable now and 7%

29%
my salary bracket is higher

No impact 8%

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 finding 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 37% Recruiter 41%

LinkedIn 31% Networking 21%

Facebook 18% Job board 12%

Twitter 9% Newspaper 10%

MySpace 2% Staffing agency 10%

Plaxo 1% Company career site 3%

Other 2% 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 findings 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, specifically 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 88% Maybe,
if I can get
Yes, I’ve already started 6%
time off
Yes, got one lined up 5%
22%
No, not looking 1% Maybe,
if I can
afford it

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A JOB THIS SUMMER? Nope,

53%
no plans

Yes, a full-time job 54%

Yes,
can’t wait
Yes, a part-time job 42%
22%

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: or functional (9%) formats. Although 79% of job seekers have not used a professional
57% of job seekers custom tailor and update their CVs with each potential job, and CV service, 42% say they would consider getting professional CV assistance during
38% create their own kind of CV rather than following standard chronological (17%) 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 No
27%

Combination of
57% 43%
chronological
and functional 38%
I’ve created
my own kind HAVE YOU EVER USED A PROFESSIONAL CV SERVICE?
Video CV
of CV
1%
CV? I just
No, but I’d consider it 42%
sent my
portfolio No, I’m confident in my own
8% 39%
CV writing skills
Functional Yes, totally worth it 10%
Chronological
9% Yes, but I wouldn’t again 9%

17%

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 benefits are important, today’s job seeker is looking for more than
a career—they want a labour of love. Although finding a job remains a challenge for
many, the main career goal in 2010 for 81% of job seekers is to find 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 opportu-
nities (28%).

WHAT CAREER RESOLUTIONS ARE YOU MAKING FOR 2010? WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION WHEN LOOKING
FOR A NEW JOB?

Improve my work/life Work/life balance 36%

41%
balance
Competitive salary 31%

Learn a new language or skill 17% Training opportunities 28%

Ability to travel 4%
Expand my professional 14%
network CSR initiatives 1%
Volunteer to lead a 6%
company project WHAT CAREER GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR 2010?

Become active in an 4%
industry organisation Find a job I love 81%

4% Get a payrise or promotion 10%

Find a mentor
Avoid redundancy 5%
None 14%
None 4%

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 for a job. User polls also found that 60% want to commute less than one hour, and
the offer of a job in a new city. While some would consider relocating depending although they would welcome the opportunity, 48% say their current job does not
on the job offer (35%) and the location (19%), 22% say “no way” to making a move offer the option to work from home.

HOW LONG OF A COMMUTE ARE YOU WILLING TO TRAVEL TO WORK WOULD YOU RELOCATE FOR A JOB?
EACH WAY?

Less than one hour 60%

22%
1–2 hours 30%
No way
2–3 hours 4% 35%
More than 3 hours 6%
It depends
on the job
DOES YOUR COMPANY ALLOW EMPLOYEES TO WORK FROM HOME? 5%
It depends on offer
the company

No 48%
It depends on
Yes, for any reason 24% the location

Yes, in special circumstances 24% 19% Absolutely

Don’t know 4%
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 finding 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?

Yes 59%
Alternative energy Natural resource
production conservation
No 28%

71% 14% Don’t know 13%

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO YOU THAT YOUR EMPLOYER IS

Green IT Green building ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE?
construction
Very important 51%

10% 5% Somewhat important

Not important 19%

29%

Don’t know 1%

Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.) 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? WILL YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S GUARANTEED
JOB, EDUCATION OR TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR JOB SEEKERS WHO
6% HAVE BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS?

What is the Yes 54%

Job Seeker’s
Allowance?
36%
26% Yes No, I’m too old to qualify 21%
No, I don’t qualify

No, I don’t believe it

15%
would benefit me

No, it’s No, I can’t I don’t know 7%

embarrassing be bothered

12% No, I am currently

employed 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 benefits seem to be hard to come by in the workplace: 74% say their
current companies do not provide any family-friendly benefits, 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 benefits, such as paternity leave and
flexible 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 flexible 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%
17%
Don’t know 11%
Don’t know
WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY’S POSITION ON SCHEDULING AROUND
CHILDCARE? 9%
Not flexible 30%

Somewhat flexible 29%

No
Very flexible

Don’t know 15%

26%
74%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.) Part 3: Aid for Job Seekers | 15
RETIREMENT AND PENSION PLANS
Many job seekers are staying in the working world longer than ever—30% of those say a pension plan is important, 75% do not have a private pension plan and 81%
surveyed say they never expect to retire because they don’t believe they’ll be finan- believe state pension will not support their retirement. If retirement is accomplished,
cially stable when the time comes. When seeking employment, half of job seekers however, 53% would choose to retire abroad.

WHEN DO YOU EXPECT TO RETIRE? ARE YOU CURRENTLY CONTRIBUTING TO A PRIVATE PENSION SCHEME?

Yes No
21%

Before the State

Pension age
30% 25% 75%
Never
HOW IMPORTANT TO YOU IS THE AVAILABILITY OF A CONTRIBUTORY
PENSION SCHEME WHEN CONSIDERING A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER?

At the State Very important 50%

Pension age
Not important 22%
22%
After the State
Somewhat important 15%
Pension age

I don’t know 13%

27%

Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.) Part 3: Aid for Job Seekers | 16
ABOUT THESE POLLS USING THIS DATA ABOUT SIMPLY HIRED

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.
PRESS CONTACT
Annie Klein
Schwartz Communications
ph: +44 (0) 208 432 4686
simplyhireduk@schwartzcomm.com
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.”
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.

Stay Connected
www.simplyhired.co.uk
www.twitter.com/simplyhireduk

Simply Hired, Inc.

2513 Charleston Rd., Suite 200
Mountain View, CA 94043
United States
© 2010 Simply Hired, Inc. +1 650.930.1000

Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.K.) About | 17