“Want New Job.” On a bad day, anyone might grumpily grunt these words. Whether it’s a fleeting thought borne of frustration or a genuine resolution and need for change, that’s the real question.
You might occasionally browse job listings in a casual way, hoping for something that really grabs you. But do you ever take a step back and think about what you’re really looking for? Those boxes you want ticked, specific things that really appeal to you: what are they?
A new survey by ManpowerGroup Solutions revealed that UK jobseekers are less swayed by salary than you might expect. Apparently, only around a quarter ranked this as an important factor, compared with a global 54 per cent.
Now, this might well have something to do with British reserve when faced with questions, or how participants would like to appear. (An ambivalent shrug of “it pays the bills” is a more common response to a question about work than “I’m doing it just to make a lot of money.”) You might even wonder if it’s part of a wider ruse to get more overseas businesses to set up in the UK, because they can pay workers less. Either way, it’s still a chunky margin.
Manpower findings
The Type Of Work?
It’s said by the study that here in Britain workers are more focused on the type of work they’ll be doing. This suggests people here do care about the specifics of work, rather than the pay. It also says workers will be less drawn to social media in their job search. Only one in five see this as a valid way of seeking jobs and information about employers; again considerably less than the global average.
[Read the Atlantic Resource blog: 8 Tips For Creating Social Media Profiles]
Where The Job Is?
Geographic location is another big one for us here in the UK, with 53 per cent ranking it as important compared to our more footloose and mobile global colleagues.
However happy you are in your current position, it’s worth taking a few minutes for a proper think. What’s likely to woo you about a new job? What are your main priorities in life right now? Is it earning potential? Nothing wrong with that.
Or perhaps it’s the location, being close to family, working flexibility, or the type of work. Maybe it’s the reputation of your employers in its industry and the greater global good. Does your current role and employer really tick all the boxes? Or simply enough for right now?
[Read the Atlantic Resource blog post: balancing work and childcare]
What Really Matters To You?
Such research is fairly common and must always be taken with a light pinch of salt. This one does ask a number of questions which will always be relevant to workers. And it’s always interesting to see how the priorities of the UK workforce compares globally.
If you’re seeking new work or workers in construction, catering, office admin or care, please get in touch.
