Flexibility is the key to career change



Flexibility is the key to career change

Job hunters in Australia are willing to change industries and even cities in pursuit of a job, according to a survey released by Right Management.

However, the survey did quiz 400 people attending Right Management career transition programs between July 2009 and May 2010 so the survey group were already looking for change.

Of those surveyed, 47 per cent were willing to change industries and job function to land a new role, while 10 per cent were open to relocating themselves.

A higher percentage of people, 44 per cent compared to 41 per cent in 2008 to 2009, are accepting a salary cut to convert a new opportunity into a concrete job offer.

While career transition can be hard, Right Management claim that as many industries are currently facing a skills shortage the climate was right for career change.

Tim Roche, Career Management Practice Leader at Right Management, claims that the jobs are there for those who are people friendly and have good networking skills.

The Right Management survey claims 34 per cent of job seekers found a new job through their connections. The number of jobs landed via print advertisements dropped from 24 per cent in the 2008-2009 survey to 19 per cent this year.

The percentage of jobs secured via direct approach to the company increased to12 per cent, compared to 9 per cent in 2008-2009.

“Employers are looking for loyalty and genuine interest. Personal recommendations made by someone in a jobseeker’s network are going to mean a lot more than a generic cover letter,” says Mr Roche.

“Similarly, direct approaches to the company can pay off because it demonstrates you are particularly interested in that organisation and are being proactive in securing the job you want rather than a job that happens to come your way.”

CareerOne.com.au, May 17, 2010.