HR jobseekers lack confidence about their prospects of securing interviews or job offers in the current economic climate.
Respondents to Changeboard’s first Jobseeker Confidence Index questionnaire reported a lack of HR job vacancies suited to their skills and experience, causing them to be pessimistic about their chances of being called for an interview and ultimately receiving an offer of employment.
Asked to rate their chances of securing a job interview in the next four weeks between 1 (certain not to get an interview) and 10 (certain to get an interview), jobseekers’ responses averaged 3.9.
They were more positive about receiving a job offer in the next three months – responses between 1 (certain not to get a job offer) and 10 (certain to get a job offer) averaged 4.6.
The mode (most common) response for both questions was just 3.
Among currently unemployed HR professionals, there was more confidence about securing a job interview in the next four weeks (4.2) – perhaps reflecting their greater focus on the jobseeking process – but slightly less confidence about securing a job offer in the next three months (4.5).
Additionally, jobseekers applying for senior HR management roles were less confident than those applying for middle management HR roles about securing interviews (3.7 vs 4.0) and job offers (4.4 vs 4.8).
Rob Willock, Changeboard’s Chief Operating Officer, commented: “Our first Jobseeker Confidence Index survey results suggest low levels of confidence among HR jobseekers. These results coincide with the announcement of a surprise fall in GDP, which may have dented candidates’ optimism.
“As the Index plots jobseekers’ confidence during the remainder of 2011 and beyond, it will be fascinating to see whether they believe their prospects of securing interviews and job offers increase or decline further. Watch this space.”
Changeboard’s Jobseeker Confidence Index will survey active and passive HR jobseekers each month to gauge their personal experience of the HR jobs market. In time this will build into an essential index showing the changing confidence levels of HR jobseekers.
For more information contact Changeboard on 020 8675 8851 or e-mail info@changeboard.com.
