Job-changing rate still high in 2001

6 February 2001 - A nationwide survey of 1477 workers conducted for CareerBuilder shows that job-changers focus on salary, location and work-life balance.

The survey shows that almost 4 out of 10 U.S. workers are looking for new job opportunities in 2001. Respondents were generally satisfied with their jobs, but the survey indicated more workers planning to change jobs this year than during 2000. And they are in a hurry to do so - 70% of repondents planning to change jobs this year wanted to to do so within the following 6 months.

"There's a new breed of worker - the silent job seeker - who is constantly on the lookout for new opportunities and who remains optimistic, even with the recent news of layoffs and restructurings," according to Diane Strahan, career specialist with CareerBuilder. "Don't confuse their silence and satisfaction with job complacency."

These 'opportunistic job seekers' are seeking better salaries, good job location and great work and life balance - rated among the most important factors to consider when changing jobs. And when they look for a new job, 81% of those surveyed intend to use Internet job sites and 86% will use newspaper classified ads.

Diane Strahan added: "The survey shows that workers remain plugged into the job market - even if they are not actively searching for a job - by networking, checking online career sites and posting their resumes. The workers surveyed said they use online career sites because of ease, convenience and the ability to narrow their search."

The CareerBuilder Job Satisfaction Survey* also explores the top factors that job seekers consider most important when considering job opportunities. In addition, the survey looks at employee morale, attitudes about bosses and satisfaction with pay.

*The online survey (+/- 2.5 percent accuracy) conducted by SurveySite drew 1,477 respondents during a five-day period in January.