A comprehensive job seekers trends research study, compiled by Misco and based on a survey among some 500 candidates, finds how although already in employment, many employees would be open to new opportunities. It also established that 50.7 per cent would change job for better chances of personal advancement.
“The data we have been collating over the years gives us a unique insight into this market. Some of the interesting data that emerged showed how 27.2 per cent change their job after three to five years, that 45.2 per cent would prefer to work for an SME company, that 19.6 per cent would opt to work for a start-up and that recruitment firms, newspapers, top job seeking sources,” says Joanne Bondin, head of Misco’s recruitment section.
Respondents to this study mainly hold senior and middle management roles as well as executive, supervisory and clerical positions.
Just over than half of the respondents, more precisely 50.3 per cent, stated that they are employed and not seeking another job. However, they would be open to consider attractive opportunities if these came along. Another 27 per cent stated that while they are employed, they are actively seeking new employment; 16.3 per cent are in between jobs or in education or training and are actively seeking work. Only 6.4 per cent are employed and appear to have no intention to look for new job opportunties.
“This study is an excellent tool for us as it gives us even more insight into how today’s job seekers are approaching their search for new positions, what they look out for, for what type of companies and organisations they want to work with and what gives them job satisfaction. This of course gives Misco an upperhand even with all those companies who would like to use our services to help them find the right candidates,” says Bondin.
One interesting aspect that came out from the study was that from among those interviewed, 27.2 per cent change their job after three to five years, another 24 per cent find alternative employment after one to three years and 17.3 per cent never changed job.
“We wanted to look deeper into this and therefore we asked respondents to give us at least two reasons why they would change their job. Most respondents (62.4 per cent) said that they would do it for a better salary and 50.7 per cent would seek new employment for better chances of personal advancement.
“Other reasons mentioned were that they were not finding enough challenge at work (16.9 per cent), they would like to have more flexible hours (13.5 per cent), lack of stability (9.5 per cent) and they would have felt attracted by stronger company culture (8.6 per cent). Only five per cent mentioned they would change job because of internal conflict whereas one per cent cited company premises could be a reason for them to change jobs,” says Bondin.
E-mail, company websites are the most preferred means to apply for a job
When asked about how optimistic they are about current employment opportunities, 34.9 per cent said they are positive. Twenty three per cent said that no opportunities are available while 42.1 per cent expressed a more neutral position.
The study also sought to establish what would be the top sources where candidates would be more likely to look for new job opportunities. Respondents ranked recruitment firms and newspapers as their top sources. At the bottom end of the spectrum, respondents ranked career fairs, magazines and social media channels amongst their more unlikely sources for job prospects.
When asked from where they found their best job, the majority of respondents (35.5 per cent) cited personal connections and word of mouth as well as newspapers (25 per cent) as their primary sources. However, e-mail and company websites remain the most preferred means with which to apply for a job.
Finding out which are the most appealing aspects that job seekers look for when they are seeking a new employer, the three highest ranking qualities mentioned by respondents were employee development and enhancement, recognition and more stability.
Another interesting aspect was company size. Whereas 55 per cent stated that they would prefer working for an established company, 45.2 per cent actually prefer to work for a small- to medium-sized company compared to the 28.4 per cent who would prefer a large-sized company.
Also interesting was that 19.6 per cent would opt for a start-up company, 51 per cent would prefer a foreign-owned company, while 33.3 per cent would opt for a local company.
With regards to work hours 83.5 per cent would look for a full-time job, 35.5 per cent would look for a job that offers flexible hours, whereas 20.6 per cent would look for the opportunity of working from home.
Another aspect was the level of proficiency repondents believe they have in writing a cv and in attending an interview. 92.9 per cent stated that they feel equipped with the right skills in this area.
Online research (45.2 per cent) and company websites (37.9 per cent) were listed as the two most important sources for preparing oneself for an interview.
Misco will be hosting a Misco in the Hot Seat event on July 15. This will be open to HR professionals who wish to learn more about how they can be more successful in attracting talent. For more information, contact Joanne Bondin on jbondin@miscomalta.com.