10 Job Search Stats You Need to Know This Year
There are boatloads of statistics about every subject under the sun. If you are looking for a job, you may have been plagued with stats about job search success, the number of open jobs versus applicants, and other information. It is hard to decipher what is important and what isn’t though. Here are 10 job search stats you need to know this year.
1. A Professional Resume Boosts Your Pay by 7%
The quality of your resume can make a difference in how much you earn. A professionally-crafted resume will boost your pay by about 7%. This is because the employer will be able to clearly see your value on paper before even bringing you in for an interview.
2. 60% of Jobs are Found Through Networking
Networking is extremely important when you are looking for a job. More often than not, you’ll find your new job within your professional network. A majority of open positions aren’t found online. You have to know someone internally to get information about openings. A good networking strategy is to research the companies you are interested in working with and find people with the title of director or manager. These individuals are usually making hiring decisions. Try to connect with them on LinkedIn or via other professional networking sites. This can help you get your foot in the door.
3. Less Than Half of Job Seekers Prioritize Salary
Yes, your hourly or annual rate is important. However, only 49% of job seekers feel that compensation is the most important part of their search. Consider what other factors might be important to you in your next role.
4. There is About a 5% Chance You’ll Interview Face-to-Face
Believe it or not, only about five people of the 100+ who apply for a job get a face-to-face interview. You can combat this by applying to more than one position at once. Just be sure the jobs you’re applying to are a good fit.
5. 75% of Resumes Don’t Make it to the Hiring Manager
Even if you send in your resume, it doesn’t mean you’ll get a callback. The key reason most resumes aren’t making the cut is a lack of keywords. Go back to the job description and take note of the requirements and keywords that stand out as important. Incorporate these words into your resume.
6. Over 70% of Workers Want to Change Jobs
You won’t only be competing with people out of work. Many current employees are actively looking for a new job or want to change careers. That makes competition for each position pretty steep.
7. Referrals are Important Too
Between 30% to 50% of all hiring in the United States is through a referral of some sort. So, be sure you talk to friends, family, and other connections about their companies. See if someone would be willing to refer you for a job.
8. 77% of Recruiters Are on LinkedIn
Social media is becoming increasingly important during your job search. More than three-quarters of recruiters are on LinkedIn and use it as a tool to identify quality candidates. Create a profile and update it regularly. Make sure you have optimized your resume and information for the positions you are looking for. This will help you stand out to recruiters.
9. 54% of Employers Have Used Social Media for Hiring Decisions
Speaking of social media, 54% of employers have rejected a candidate based on their social media profile. If the employer finds something they don’t like, they’ll swiftly move on to the next candidate. So, make sure you scrub your social media pages before embarking on your job hunt.
10. Take Your Time
The average job search in the United States takes about five months. So, be ready for your job search to take some time. You likely won’t nail something in your first week of looking. During your search, take time to brush up on interview skills and research employers.
Find Your Next Job With Us
Job seekers can benefit from working with a staffing agency like The Bradley Group in the new year. Our team of expert recruiters will sit down with you, get to know your skills and experience, and identify good opportunities for you. Learn more about the opportunities we provide our candidates with and contact us to get started.
