Jobseekers.....Have your needs changed?

[Karen Enos]

As some of you already know –I love to hear what you have to say about the ever-evolving trends in the world of job hunting. We all know with the changes in the economy over the last couple of years that the unemployment rates are high, but this has also increased the number of companies seeking to make new hires. Some of the following are reasons that I have seen for hiring:

Increase In Business – #1 This is because there have been several smaller businesses that have been forced to close their doors. #2 Customers that put off repairs to save money now have no other choice but to fix what is broke/needs serviced.
Cleaning House – When the pool is full it is generally the best time to replace underperformers within an organization.
Standard Staff Replacement – This is generally because a current employee either retires, or has taken another opportunity elsewhere.

With so many people being affected by what is going on in the current economic status of our nation, and several households going from two income homes to one…it makes me wonder if the needs of the jobseeker have changed. Are jobseekers still looking for top pay, or are they looking for things like benefits/incentives?

My Question Is…….
What are the top three (3) things that you find important when looking for an new opportunity?

Best Regards,
Karen Enos

[secorp]

Hi Karen,
I think if you are over 40 you will take less cash for health care Benni's.
I think if you are 50 plus you are just glad to have a job.
I Think if you 25 plus you want cash.

With unemployment at 9 percent that still means 91 percent are still working. In today's economy I believe it is an employers market right now. however good outfits are always looking to trade up no matter the economy or the market.

For me my three..... I need benefits, then cash, then on going training.
Respect comes if I do my job well so I did not include it.

[klrogers]

I would agree with secorp, the only thing I would add is that it seems those of us in the commercial field tend to look for long-term stable employment.

So my top three list would be:

Job satisfaction
Reputation on employer, including ability to provide constant employment.
Benefits package

Note that actual pay scale is not in the top three, but then again I guess that is sorta related to 1 & 3

Kevin

[Kaleun494]

What are the top three (3) things that you find important when looking for an new opportunity?

This is what I look at if I'm applying to a major company.

On going training

Starting pay that can sustain a person w/o having to rely on public assistance or family, and regular raises if the worker is performs well at his or her job. If I'm going to make $12/hr for 4-5 years then I would seek a job elsewhere after 2 years even if the new job is in a different industry.

Basic benefits such as health and dental, if there are additional benefits then that will be a nice bonus.

[crab master]

1. Location - numerous places I wouldn't want to live.
2. Then KLRogers list for the most part.

Interesting though I've been scanning ads and even made a few calls on some, like to keep up with what the market is doing, besides were hiring, and some I have looked into it is like they really aren't looking that hard. I am not necessarily after top pay as I realize benefits are worth a lot, but when someone is looking for a qualified individual yet the pay they offer isn't even close, then they looking for a not so qualified individual. When I say not even close I am talking a 20K+/yr drop. 10K for the right scene, possibly even 15 with the right incentives. It would be one thing if there was like 5 weeks of vacation, but when the other benefits are the same or less....

It's like they are just looking for the desperate ones and/or they are convinced their company is so great that people would work for so much less pay.

The other thing I notice is on the items that matter, benefits and pay, you don't hardly see anything mentioned by the employer other than 'competitive pay' and 'good benefits.' Let's look at somebody that does a good job explaining their benefits - http://www.facebook.com/careers/perks.php Now those are GREAT benefits and 21 days of paid vacation!

[Karen Enos]

Let's look at somebody that does a good job explaining their benefits - http://www.facebook.com/careers/perks.php Now those are GREAT benefits and 21 days of paid vacation!

I think I just found my next career move - lol

On a serious note - I completely agree with the statement about "competitive pay" and "great benefits" - I constantly try to coach employers on listing the information that jobseekers want to see - the problem is generally they are afraid that some of their current employees who are not making that will see it & demand more money. The other factor is that they want potential employees to focus on the job duties description/requirements before they worry about "what's in it for them". Unfortunately, this is one area that is extremely difficult for some employers to understand that whether or not they want to list it - people want to know it.

-Karen

[crab master]

That's where they should list a range. Say the average person that might see it makes 50K, so put their pay range somewhere in the middle, that is if they are average and not a superstar. So pay range advertised would be 40-60K, maybe even 40-65K.

[crab master]

Those details make up the difference of whether or not to submit an application. Sounds good plus acceptable pay submit, sounds good but no pay given, unlikely to submit unless I know someone that has had good things to say about the place.

[Karen Enos]

Those details make up the difference of whether or not to submit an application. Sounds good plus acceptable pay submit, sounds good but no pay given, unlikely to submit unless I know someone that has had good things to say about the place.

I couldn't agree more. Granted I may not be the norm - but I have taken a pay cut for the following reason:


Better benefits - because I have dependents (especially if their dental plan had orthodonics)


What jobseekers are willing to give up to gain something they desire differs - employers need to realize that everyone's priorities are different - just like employers wish their customers would realize that they are all different & that the services that every company provide are not the same.

Employers need to look at it from a different perspective:
If you list your information you're giving them the opportunity to decide if joining your team would be a benefit/loss. If they are still interested & apply-then you are going to be hiring your ideal employee in the end because they have reviewed the facts and feel that you are right for them- you both will probably be happier in the end.

-Karen

[Tech Rob]

The other thing I notice is on the items that matter, benefits and pay, you don't hardly see anything mentioned by the employer other than 'competitive pay' and 'good benefits.' Let's look at somebody that does a good job explaining their benefits - http://www.facebook.com/careers/perks.php Now those are GREAT benefits and 21 days of paid vacation!

Yeah, but those benefits are reserved for attractive, civilized humans with a degree. :censored:

[crab master]

Not to turn this thread sideways, but I've seen numerous jobs from them that don't require a degree, especially ones regarding HVAC. Couldn't find an open HVAC position, but here's another w/o a degree requirement - http://www.facebook.com/careers/department.php?dept=tech-ops

[Wester399]

Location is key
Good reuptation of company
And lots of work. Id sooner be busy then get laid off every 6 months.

[LA1]

I think it depends on your situation i.e.

Don't have a job-will take anything or anything decent
Single, no dependants-pay and maybe better training/advancement
With dependants or with health issues-good benefits, then money, then the rest

[n-e-w Jerz!]

Karen, my needs have changed dramatically as i have taken on my first mortgage and have a soon to be one year old daughter, things i guess i never considered to ever have a few years ago. the things that didn't matter to me so much are colossal now! they would be:
1)Health Care Plan
2)Salary
3)Stability

i'm currently unemployed and have been trying to hold out for a position with a company that i feel i could work at for the rest of my career, god willing. i'm trying to avoid mom and pop shops or residential only companies as i feel that there is no room for advancement or anything significant left to learn. i like the idea of being able to hone my skills and be challenged on a variety of equipment, but maybe i'm shooting too high or asking for too much.

i was contacted today by a HR person from Honeywell which i'm ecstatic about but trying not to get my hopes up and get disappointed. i actually have a list made up of questions to ask employers but didn't really need it as i know my concerns would be covered by a company like that.

want to take care of my family and be able to advance as well! too much on my plate to be messing around anymore!

[Karen Enos]

i'm trying to avoid mom and pop shops or residential only companies as i feel that there is no room for advancement or anything significant left to learn.

Here's a company that is only 37 minutes from your home.


Commercial Service Tech (http://www.birddogjobs.com/JobSeekerPages/ViewJob.aspx?id=1302251055&jobBoard=bdjobs)

Good luck!!!