Main Motivation for Looking for a New Job

by Eric Nager on Jun 27, 2018

Job Search, New Job, Motivation, Salary, LinkedIn

As the job continues to sizzle at what economists call “full employment,” many professionals report that their primary motivation for looking for a new job in 2018 is feeling bored with their current job and wanting a new challenge, according to the results of a recent survey by executive search firm Korn Ferry.

The survey of 4,900 professionals was conducted at the end of 2017. When those respondents who said they are planning to look for a new job in 2018 were asked to identify their top reason for jumping ship, the survey found that:

• 33% said they are bored with their current job and need a new challenge,

• 24% said the culture at their current company does not align with their values,

• 21% indicated they have either lost their job or expect to lose their job, and

• 19% said they are hoping to get a higher salary.

The vast majority (89%) of the professionals surveyed said they believe networking is important during every period of their career, and not just when they are in job search mode. By contrast, a mere 7% of respondents said they see networking as important only when they have a job but are considering other options, and just 3% said they believe networking is essential only when they are out of work and looking for a job.

When respondents were asked what their usual first step is when searching for a new job, the top response was networking, cited by 44%. Another 23% of respondents said updating their resume is their typical first step toward landing a new position, while 19% indicated that they start their search by taking an inventory of what kind of job would make them the happiest. Smaller shares said their usual first step when looking for a new job is reviewing the online job postings (12%) or engaging in social media activity (2%).

The professionals surveyed were also asked to name the top strategy they use to network:

• One-third (33%) of respondents said they seek to reconnect with current and former friends/colleagues,

• 31% reported using LinkedIn,

• 27% said they ask current friends or colleagues to introduce them to others in their network, and

• 9% indicated that they attend networking events.

When asked about their job search history, 53% of respondents described their past interviewers as, on average, only somewhat to very ill-prepared. Moreover, 46% reported that they had been turned down for a job because the interviewer did not take the time to fully understand their qualifications.

If you find yourself bored with your job and intend to make a change, please call me so that I can help you network. I would also be willing to review your resume and LinkedIn profile. In addition, I’d be happy to be your sounding board as you consider different types of careers and what might make you happiest.

Finally – and most importantly – make sure you let me know when you start your new job so that I can help you properly roll-over your 401(k) from your past employer.