Today’s Job Seeker Report

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 p. 2 PART 3: Changes in the Job Market p. 11
Seeking Seasonal Work p. 12
PART 1: The Job Search Process p. 3 Going Green p. 13
Actively Seeking Work p. 4 Transferring Skills to New Careers p. 14
Job Search Goes Online p. 5 The Dream of Self-Employment p. 15
Social Networking and Referrals p. 6
PART 4: Job Seeker Groups p. 16
PART 2: Job Seeker Requirements p. 7 Mothers p. 17
Passion for Work p. 8 New Graduates p. 18
Workplace Preferences p. 9 Workers Over 55 p. 19
Working Close to Home p. 10
ABOUT p. 20

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.
SELECTIVE & PASSIONATE JOB SEEKERS
According to recent polls conducted by Simply Hired,
the ways in which job seekers find their next posi-
tions 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.
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
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.
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.
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%)
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
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 opportuni-
ties, 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 look-
ing 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 45%

Less than 26%
5 hours
Better opportunity 20%

6–15 hours
Relocating 8% 20%
36 hours
or more
Returning to workforce 8%

Career change 7%
16–25 hours

Fired 6% 26–35 hours

22%
Supplemental income 6%
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 86%

Newspaper 39%
Networking
36% Networking 32%

Job board
Staffing Staffing agency 29%
11%
agency
Recruiter 23%

Professional organizations 19%

Company
career site Recruiter
Outplacement agency 10%

7% College career center 9%

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 45%
Networking 37%

Facebook 24%
Job board 20%
Twitter 11%

MySpace 8% Company career site 15%

Plaxo 3%
Staffing agency 15%

I don’t use social networks 36%

Recruiter 13%
Other 7%

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? WOULD YOU RATHER...

83% 17%
8% Find a job Find a job that
you love for pays well that
lower pay? you don’t like?
The
location

WHAT CAREER GOAL DO YOU HAVE FOR 2010?

37%
29% The work
The people Find a job I love 83%

Challenge myself 8%

Get a raise 4%

The
benefits Get a promotion 3%
The pay

6% None 2%

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 work-
ing 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 46%

25%
It depends on the job 30%

Salary
I’ll go where the jobs are 24%

Healthcare/
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERENCE TOWARDS GREEN COMPANIES?
Stock options
Insurance 46%
2%
Length of vacation
time
7%
I prefer them 52%
Commute/
Transportation
I avoid them 19%
401(k)/
Retirement
Not sure 29% 12%
options

8%

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? WOULD YOU RELOCATE FOR A JOB?

3%

Absolutely 22%
More than
2 hours

38% It depends on the job offer 37%

Less than 30 30 minutes

minutes
to an hour 43%
It depends on the location 18%

90 minutes
to 2 hours
It depends on the company 4%

An hour to
90 minutes 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 full-
time 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 51%

Gain work experience 18% 19%

Extra spending money 17% Friends or

family
Pay for school 14%

Through an existing

DO YOU PLAN TO TAKE A VACATION THIS SUMMER?

job or activity Search
online 58%
6%
Yes, can’t wait! 15%
Other
Maybe - if I can afford it 26%
8% Newspaper
Maybe - if I can get time off 3%

No, no plans 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 retrofit-
ting. 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? WHICH ECO-FRIENDLY INITIATIVE DO YOU LOOK FOR AT
POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS?

13%

Recycling 58%
Eco-friendly
products
9%
Natural
resource Reducing energy use 36%
conservation

Green building
Alternative Using less paper 36%

construction & energy

retrofitting production 60%
18%
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 intern-
ship 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
26%
Yes, can’t find a job in
37%
current career

Yes, unhappy with

28%
current career
Somewhat
21%
Maybe, depends on the
23%
opportunity

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 profes-
sionals 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 Possibly, I’d consider it I can set my

28% 36%
own rate 34%
I can
choose the
work I like
I can work
from home

No way Already have 31%

18% 18% I can set my

own hours

25%

Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.) 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 part-
time (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?

Yes, for more pay/better opportunity

51%
Flextime schedules 43%

Child care services 18%

18%
Yes, for better family benefits/flexibility
38%
Telecommuting

Parental leave
14%
(e.g. child sick days)

Compressed workweeks 4% No
Job-sharing 3% 11%
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 morn-
ings 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?

Opportunities to learn
40%
Yes, all set No, still looking & develop career

20% 43%
Salary & benefits 25%

Work/life balance 17%

Finding a great mentor 6%

No, took a while No, found one soon after Testing possible
career paths
5%

22% 15% Challenging work 4%

Growing your
3%
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 57% Yes

44%
Yes, forced me to retire early 9%

Somewhat, had to re-evaluate 21%

Not at all 13%

Not sure
28%
WHEN DO YOU PLAN TO RETIRE?

Before 55 7%

56–60 11%

61–65 24%
No
66–70

After 70
27%

31%
28%
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.) Part 4: Job Seeker Groups | 19
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 impres-
sions on average. Not all poll results included in this
report are displayed visually.
PRESS CONTACT
Allison Bedard
Schwartz Communications
ph: +1 415.512.0770
simplyhired@schwartzcomm.com
© 2010 Simply Hired, Inc.
Today’s Job Seeker Report | 2010 Edition (U.S.)
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.
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About | 20