Are We All Perpetual Job Hunters?

A new study by CareerBuilder and Inavero shows that access to the wealth of digital job-seeking resources has transformed workers into perpetual job hunters. Nearly 70 percent of full-time workers reported that their regular routine includes seeking out new job opportunities. About 30 percent of respondents said searching for jobs was a weekly activity. In what may be an indication as to why so many workers are perpetually pursuing new jobs is that 53 percent of workers said they feel like they have only a job, not a career.

“Digital behavior has blurred the distinction between an active and a passive job candidate,” said Brent Rasmussen, president of CareerBuilder North America. “The majority of workers are regularly exposed to new job opportunities and are willing to consider them. They may not leave their jobs right away, but they’re keeping aware of possibilities and planning for their next career move.”

Younger workers are the most likely employees to regularly seek other employment. Nearly 80 percent of Millennials reported to being either actively searching for or open to new job opportunities compared to 67 percent of Baby Boomers who tend to remain in a single position for an average of 11 years as opposed to 3 years for Millennials. Respondents reported to use around 15 sources for job searching, more than the average number of sources used to research insurance providers, banks, and vacations.

“Workers approach their job search much like a consumer purchase, using multiple avenues to evaluate potential employers months before they take action and apply to positions,” Rasmussen added. “It’s important for companies to engage candidates at every touch point.”