Monster poll shows majority of Americans plan to seek new job in 2005

Monster Poll Shows Majority of Americans Plan to Seek New Job in 2005; Growing Percentage of Workers - 46 Percent - Are Optimistic about New Year Employment Prospects

MAYNARD, Mass. As companies across the nation finalize their 2005 staffing needs, job seekers are gearing up to ring in the New Year with an energized career. According to the latest series of Monster Meter polls, 93 percent of Americans plan to look for a new job in the New Year. The Monster Meter, a product of Monster(R), the leading global online careers site and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST), is an ongoing series of online polls that gauge users’ opinions on a variety of topics relating to careers, the economy and the workplace.

In addition, when asked about their top work-related New Year’s resolutions, 46 percent of Monster site users strive to land a job, while 33 percent resolve to switch careers; and showing work/life balance continues to be an issue for today’s employee, 14 percent plan to work fewer hours.

The U.S. job market has shown steady expansion throughout the year - and these poll results show that Americans are ready to take advantage of this improvement, said Jeff Taylor, Founder and Chief Monster. The start of a new year typically marks the time when hiring managers, fresh with new budgets, look to expand hiring in key focus areas. These listings are often for jobs that are a priority for companies, so January is a great time for job seekers to find new, exciting, and challenging employment opportunities.

New Year Job Seeking Tips

Be the First: Many companies post jobs early in the year, with the initial mind-set of recruiting through January. This is a great opportunity to be among the first who apply, get in the door, and impress them early on in the recruitment process.

Keep it Current: Make updating your resume the first cleanup project of the year. Regularly polishing a resume is essential, as terminology and employer needs are always
changing.

Find a Mentor: Many workers strive to move upwards within
their organization in 2005. To increase chances of a
promotion, utilize nearby resources and learn from the
employees in the office. Locate someone who enjoys and excels in their work, and ask them to be your mentor for the year.

Network: Events, such as New Year’s parties, are a good
opportunity to talk to people in a relaxed and friendly
environment who can help uncover employment opportunities
before they are made public.

Take Advantage of Down Time: Fewer job seekers try to find
jobs during the holiday season, so it may be easier to stand
out from the crowd and get noticed by employers.

The Monster New Year’s Poll Series

The Monster Meter asked, Do you plan to look for a new job in the New Year?

93% said: Yes.
7% said: No.

The Monster Meter asked, What is at the top of your 2005 New Year’s resolution list?

59% said: Get a new job.
19% said: Lose weight.
14% said: Improve my work life balance.
8% said: Become more organized.

The Monster Meter asked, If you were to make one resolution about work, what would it be?

46% said: To get a job.
33% said: To switch careers.
14% said: To work fewer hours.
7% said: To work harder.

The Monster Meter asked, Do expect to receive a holiday bonus this year?

70% said: No.
30% said: Yes.

The Monster Meter asked, Are you optimistic about the job market for 2005?

54% said: No.
46% said: Yes.

(a) The results of this Monster Meter are based on 8,044 votes cast by Monster users from December 6th to December 8th, 2004 on the Monster.com homepage. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation. Anyone interested in voting in Monster’s current online poll may do so by logging onto Monster at www.monster.com. Users may review the results of this poll by going to http://forums.monster.com/poll.asp?pollid=6201. These polls are not scientific and reflect the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate.

The results of this Monster Meter are based on 3,875 votes cast by Monster users from December 13th to December 14th, 2004 on the Monster.com homepage. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation.

The results of this Monster Meter are based on 2,852 votes cast by Monster users from December 15th to December 17th, 2004 on the Monster.com homepage. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation.

The results of this Monster Meter are based on 3,886 votes cast by Monster users from December 9th to December 12th, 2004 on the Monster.com homepage. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation.

The results of this Monster Meter are based on 15,600 votes cast by Monster users from November 15th to November 22nd, 2004 on the Monster.com homepage. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation.