Experiences with
Work
Teresa A. Keenan
January 2016
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Table of Contents
Table of
Contents
Page
Executive Summary
3
Introduction
4
Key Findings
5
Detailed Findings
7
Today’s Workforce
7
Recent and Current Job Seekers
15
Future Job Seekers
20
Appendix
31
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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3
Introduction
Executive
Summary
In November 2015, AARP Research contracted with Phi Power Communications, Inc. to
conduct a survey among U.S. adults ages 35-64 to learn more about their experiences
with work. A 10-minute online, unbranded survey was in field from November 8 to
November 14, 2015. The final nationally-representative sample of 1,291 adults 35-64
was quota-matched to 2014 U.S. Census figures on age, gender, education (as a proxy
for income), and region.
Respondents were asked about job-search topics such as how they found their current
job and the likelihood of their looking for a new job next year, their satisfaction with
aspects of the work environment, reasons they might consider looking for another job,
what obstacles they believe they might encounter in doing so, and what tools they would
use—or have used—in a recent job search. This report includes sections on today’s
workforce, recent or current job seekers, and future job seekers.
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Key Findings
Executive
Summary
•
Among respondents ages 35-64, nearly three in ten are retired, not working (14%) or
report their employment status as “other” (such as homemakers) (14%), suggesting
that members of both groups are out of the paid labor force.
•
Of the remaining work-inspired population, more than six in ten (62%) are working
now, one in seven (15%) are hoping to get a job soon, and four in ten (39%)
anticipate looking for a job in 2016.
•
Among those respondents who are currently working, two-thirds (66%) have been in
their job for five or more years and report being moderately satisfied, but only about
half (49%) believe they have an opportunity to advance.
•
Current and future job seekers are primarily after the same thing – more money. But
results from this study also indicate that those who are likely to look for a new job in
2016 are less satisfied than those who intend to stay put in their current job with
their opportunities to grow in their career, their work/life balance, their relationship
with their boss, and the degree of challenge they have in their work. They also feel
less valued at work, in terms of their opinions being valued and their being listened
to by others.
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Key Findings
Executive
Summary
•
But, finding a new job is not easy. On average, it takes 7 months to find a new job.
Online job listing sites are used most often and are reported to be the most effective
in helping find a job. Personal contacts are also seen as highly effective.
•
As for networking, taking a temporary position is seen as the best way to network
followed by attending job fairs and career related events.
•
When assessing obstacles that stand in the way of finding a new job, although
technology does not seem to intimidate many these days, the fear of age
discrimination is very real, and specifically among those 55 or older. In addition,
among those currently unemployed, four in ten believe they may be underqualified.
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DETAILED FINDINGS:
TODAY’S WORKFORCE
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Detailed
Findings
Employment Status
 Most adults 35-64 work
 More males than females are in the workforce
 The workforce skews younger, more 35-44 than 55-64
 The majority earn over $50k a year
Employment Status
By Gender
57% Males
43% Females
Composition of
Employed
38%
62%
Currently employed
Not currently employed
Base: Total Respondents (n=1,291)
Q5: Are you currently employed?
By Age
36% 35-44
37% 45-54
27% 55-64
By Income
13% <$25k
28% $25k-$50k
40% $50k-$100k
18% $100k+
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Detailed
Findings
Length of Employment
 Of those employed, about one in ten (9%) started a new job last year, with
women more likely than men (11% vs. 6%) to report doing so.
 The majority (66%) have been in the same job for more than five years.
 Those age 45 and older are more likely than their younger counterparts
(35-44) to have been at their job for more than 10 years (50% vs 30%,
respectively).
Length of Employment in Current Job
9% Less than
one year
80%
66% More than
five years
60%
44%
40%
22%
14%
20%
5%
4%
11%
0%
Less than
6 mos
6 mos to less One to less than Three to less Five to less than
than one year
three years
than five years
ten years
Ten years or
more
Base: Currently Employed; n=797
Q6: How long have you been in your current job?
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Detailed
Findings
Job Search Time
 There is very little variance in the length of time it takes to find a job. When
looking back over the past 10 years, on average, six in ten (60%) find a job in
less than three months.
100%
Length of Time to Find Current Job
80%
60%
60%
Average:
7.3 months
40%
17%
20%
10%
6%
7%
0%
Less than three Between three Between six
Between one More than three
months
months and less months and less and less than
years
than six
than one year
three years
Base: Currently Employed; n=797
Q8: How long were you looking for your current job?
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Detailed
Findings
Satisfaction with Current Job
 Although many have found a safe job with an easy commute and work with people they like,
less than half feel appreciated or compensated fairly or feel they have a chance to advance.
Satisfaction with Job
75%
On-the-job safety
19%
71%
Commute time to/from work
67%
Camaraderie/frndshp colleagues/co-wkrs
6%
21%
8%
26%
6%
Relationship w/ boss/manager/supervisor
65%
26%
10%
Work-life balance
64%
26%
10%
Fulfillment/meaningfulness of work
63%
26%
11%
Flexibility (hours, telecommuting, etc)
63%
59%
Degree of challenge
Recognition/reward for my work effort
49%
Benefits (health care, retirement, etc)
48%
25%
13%
30%
10%
32%
19%
27%
25%
Money/salary
44%
33%
23%
Growth in career path/opp. to advance
44%
32%
24%
0%
25%
Extremely/Very
Base: Currently Employed; n=797
Q9: How satisfied would you say you are with your current job in terms of…?
50%
Somewhat
75%
100%
Not Very/Not At All
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Detailed
Findings
Work Environment
 Three-fourths of those in the workforce feel a sense of independence at work and believe
they are valued, but less than half believe they have opportunities for advancement.
How They Perceive Their Work Environment
In my job, I am able to make
many decisions on my own.
76%
People listen to me at work.
73%
My opinion is valued at work.
73%
I have opportunities
for advancement at work.
25%
Strongly/Somewhat Agree
10%
19%
8%
16%
49%
0%
14%
24%
50%
Neutral
11%
27%
75%
100%
Strongly/Somewhat Disagree
Base: Currently Employed; n=797
Q10: For each of the following statements, please check your level of agreement with it.
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Detailed
Findings
Variations within the Workforce
 Among those currently employed, four in ten (39%) are likely to be looking for a new job in
2016. But, when comparing those who are planning to stay put and those who are likely to
look for a new job, those who are likely to look are less satisfied and feel less valued than
do their counterparts.
Top 2 Box Satisfaction
100%
80%
Top 2 Box Value
80%
72%
72%
60%
79%
66%
51%
40%
20%
54%
52%
62%
63%
48%
33%
0%
Work/Life
Balance
Growth
Opportunities
Relationship with
Boss
Degree of
challenge
My opinion is
valued
Staying Put (n=483)
People listen to me
at work
Likely to Look (n=314)
Base: Currently Employed; n=797
Q9/Q10: Attributes of greatest variance between segments
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The Employment Audience
Detailed
Findings
Adults 35-64
62%
Currently Employed
15%
Currently Looking for a Job
39%
Total Likely to be Looking in 2016
Base: Total Respondents (n=1,291)
Q5: Are you currently employed? Q6. How long ago employed? Q11. Last time looked? Q15. Intent to look in 2016?
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DETAILED FINDINGS:
RECENT/CURRENT JOB SEEKERS
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Composition of Recent/Current Seekers
Detailed
Findings
 Current job seekers includes those who are employed (7%) and unemployed (8%).
 Combining those who were recently employed with those currently seeking a job
provides a unique view on how the job market is currently approached.
Who’s Looking
By Gender
Base: Total Respondents (n=1,291)
Recent Seekers
Employed
(n=67)
Current Seekers
Unemployed
(n=108) +
Employed
45% Males
55% Females
5%
20%
By Age
Composition
15%
42% 35-44
36% 45-54
22% 55-64
By Income
(n=90)
Q5: Are you currently employed? Q6. How long have you been in your current job?
Q11: How long ago were you actively looking for another job?
31% <$25k
33% $25k-$50k
29% $50k-$100k
4% $100k+
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Detailed
Findings
Job Search Motivation
 Among those who were recently or are currently looking for a job, Better Pay is a key driver.
After that, though, their motivation is highly individualized with many different reasons cited;
a job that provides Better Benefits or a better Work-Life Balance are high on the list.
Reasons for Job Search
Better pay/salary
48%
Better benefits
29%
Work-life balance
27%
Career growth potential
26%
Job fulfillment
24%
Better work environment
24%
More flexible schedule
21%
Commute time to/from work
14%
Relationship with boss/manager/supervisor
14%
Other
3%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Base: Total Recent/Current Job Seekers (Employed Less Than 1 Year or Currently Looking); n=264
Q12: Why did you decide to look for another job?
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Detailed
Findings
Job Search Tools Used
 Online Job Listing Sites are the most commonly used tool among job seekers.
 Personal contacts, Company Listings, and Newspapers or magazines also top the list.
Job Search Tools
Online job listing sites
62%
Personal contacts/friend or colleague
Most Effective Tools
40%
Company career listings
33%
32%
27%
Newspapers or magazines
Internal job listing site
Social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc)
Local/regional/nat. gov. workforce site
% Ranked First
Online Job Sites: 20%
26%
25%
In-person events
Personal Contacts: 20%
21%
Online resume/interview assistance
18%
Professional organization websites
16%
Online career fair
15%
13%
10%
Worked with a recruiter
Company newsletters
Discussion groups
Podcasts/videocasts
3%
e-Coach
2%
Newspaper/Mag: 10%
5%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Base: Recent/Current Job Seekers (Employed Less Than 1 Year or Currently Looking); n=264
Q13: Which of the following tools did you use in your most recent job search?
Q14: Please select three tools you found to be most effective for you in your most recent job search.
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Detailed
Findings
Most Successful Tools
 Among those who recently found a job, they credit Online Job Listing Sites more often than
any of the other tools about which they were asked.
 That said, one-quarter (25%) do not appear to have used any of these tools to find their
most recent job.
Tools Successful In Finding Current Job
Online job listing sites
28%
Personal contacts/friend or colleague
18%
Newspapers or magazines
6%
Company career listings
6%
Worked with a recruiter
6%
In-person events
5%
Internal job listing site
3%
Social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, etc)
3%
Professional organization websites
2%
Online career fair
1%
None of the above
25%
0%
20%
Base: Employed 1 Year or Less: n=67 (***note: small sample size)
Q7: How did you find your current job?
40%
60%
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80%
100%
19
DETAILED FINDINGS:
FUTURE JOB SEEKERS
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Detailed
Findings
Composition of Future Seekers
 Of those who anticipate looking for a job in 2016, more than six in ten (62%) are
currently employed, while nearly four in ten (38%) are currently unemployed.
Who Will be Looking
By Gender
Base: Total Respondents (n=1,291)
Currently
Employed
(n=314)
Currently
Unemployed
49% Males
51% Females
24%
39%
By Age
Composition
15%
(n=190)
46% 35-44
34% 45-54
20% 55-64
By Income
Q5: Are you currently employed? Q6. How long have you been in your current job?
Q11: How long ago were you actively looking for another job?
25% <$25k
31% $25k-$50k
31% $50k-$100k
11% $100k+
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Detailed
Findings
Reasons for Future Job Search
 Future Job Seekers are overwhelming looking for Better Pay. Beyond money, they are
looking for more enjoyable work, better benefits, and more flexibility, to name a few.
Why Plan to Look for New Job
More money
74%
More enjoyable work
30%
Better health benefits
28%
New line of work
25%
More job flexibility
25%
Work - Life balance
24%
Career advancement
21%
Commute time
16%
Better retirement benefits
15%
More challenge at work
11%
Better relationship with boss/ manager
9%
Expecting job loss/ layoffs
9%
Better relationships with coworkers
6%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Base: Future Job Seekers: n=504
Q16: You said you are (somewhat/very/extremely) likely to be actively looking for a new job in 2016. From the list below, please select the top three
reasons you expect to look for a new job.
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Reasons for Future Job Search –
By Employment Status

Detailed
Findings
It appears motivation for a new job differs by current employment status. Although both are looking for
more money, those who are currently employed are more focused on Career Advancement and Benefits
whereas those who are unemployed are looking for a job that offers better Work-Life Balance and More
Flexibility.
Why Plan to Look for New Job
Employed Future Job Seeker (n=314)
Unemployed Future Job Seeker (n=190)
73%
77%
More money
Career advancement
28%
10%
28%
28%
25%
Better health benefits
More enjoyable work
Work - Life balance
21%
New line of work
21%
20%
More job flexibility
Commute time
Better retirement benefits
More challenge at work
Better relationship with boss/ manager
Expecting job loss/ layoffs
Better relationships with coworkers
Other
5%
4%
37%
31%
31%
34%
17%
16%
16%
13%
15%
13%
11%
6%
7%
3%
5%
7%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Base: Future Job Seekers: n=504
Q16: You said you are (somewhat/very/extremely) likely to be actively looking for a new job in 2016. From the list below, please select the top three
reasons you expect to look for a new job.
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Detailed
Findings
Type of Position
 The type of job desired is also significantly influenced by whether the person is currently
employed or not. While those currently employed will be looking for traditional full-time and
part-time work, those currently unemployed appear to be open to a variety of work scenarios.
100%
Job Preference
77%
80%
Future Job Seeker (n=504)
62%
60%
40%
Employed Future Job Seeker (n=314)
Unemployed Future Job Seeker (n=190)
38%
34%
21%
20%
13%
16%
10%
6%
3% 3% 4%
3% 1%
7%
0%
Full-time…
Part-time…
Be own boss
Temp/ contractor Temp to permanent
1% 0% 1%
Work share
Base: Future Job Seekers: n=504
Q18: What sort of job would you prefer to have?
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Detailed
Findings
Line of Work
 Those who are currently unemployed are less clear about the line of work they are seeking.
And, although those currently working are more likely to stay in the same industry than not,
it’s important to note that roughly one-third (35%) are not sure which direction they want to
go yet.
Plans to Stay or Leave Current Industry
80%
60%
52%
46%
40%
42%
34%
35%
33%
24%
20%
19%
15%
0%
Remain in current industry
Future Job Seeker (n=504)
Move to new industry
Employed Future Job Seeker (n=314)
Don't know
Unemployed Future Job Seeker (n=190)
Base: Future Job Seekers: n=504
Q17: Do you expect to remain in the same industry where you work now?
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Detailed
Findings
Networking
 Identical to current job seekers, those who anticipate looking for a job in 2016 will most
likely look for temporary work and/or at job fairs and career events to help them network.
Most Effective Form of Networking
Taking temporary/part-time position at company
46%
Job fairs and career-related events
40%
LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social media
24%
Meeting people at conferences/seminars
24%
Volunteering in field in which seek to work
21%
Informal meetings after work or on weekends with
friends/colleagues
17%
Professional group membership
14%
Discussion groups/forums
11%
Blogging or tweeting
3%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Base: Future Job Seekers: n=504
Q20: What do you think are the TWO most effective ways to network in your field?
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Detailed
Findings
Networking – By Employment Status

Those currently unemployed appear to be able to put more time and effort into seeking part-time work or
attending job fairs as a way of networking to a greater degree than do those who are currently working.
Most Effective Form of Networking
39%
Taking temporary/part-time position at company
35%
Job fairs and career-related events
LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social media
17%
Meeting people at conferences/seminars
18%
Informal meetings after work or on weekends with
friends/colleagues
Volunteering in field in which seek to work
17%
Professional group membership
16%
10%
28%
28%
27%
12%
8%
Employed Future Job Seekers (n=314)
3%
5%
Blogging or tweeting
0%
48%
22%
9%
Discussion groups/forums
57%
Unemployed Future Job Seekers (n=190)
20%
Base: Future Job Seekers: n=504
Q20: What do you think are the TWO most effective ways to network in your field?
40%
60%
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80%
100%
27
Detailed
Findings
Online Sources
 With the exception of LinkedIn, more heavily used by those currently employed, the online
sources future job seekers use does not change by employment status, even though many
of them have not changed jobs in five or more years.
100%
Online Sources Used
Future Job Seekers (n=504)
Employed Job Seekers (n=314)
Unemployed Job Seekers (n=190)
80%
69%
67%
65%
60%
40%
40%
33%
20%
20%
30%
28%
27%
29% 28% 29% 29% 27%
25%
28%
25% 26% 25% 24%
23%
19% 19%
11%
10% 9%
12% 12%
8%10%
3%
0%
Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Monster.
com
Indeed.
com
CareerBuilder.
com
Google+
Pinterest
Simply Hired
Glassdoor
None
Base: Future Job Seekers: n=504
Q21: Which of the following do you currently use?
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Detailed
Findings
Obstacles – Total Respondents
 Regardless of the respondent’s desire to find a new job, the overwhelming obstacle people
anticipate is Age Discrimination.
 This sense of discrimination increases significantly with age.
What May Hinder Getting a New Job
42%
My Age
By Age
37%
Not being offered enough money
Poor local/ regional labor
market
30-44 45-54 55-64
24%
20%
23%
No full time jobs with benefits
42%
62%
22%
Being Overqualified
Being Underqualified
21%
Inability to relocate
21%
19%
Need to update technology skills
14%
Offered different benefits
Cannot describe strengths in
interview
13%
7%
Not knowing current jargon
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Base: Total Respondents: n=1,291
Q19: When looking for a job, what do you think may be an obstacle?
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Detailed
Findings
Obstacles – Job Seekers
 Among those who anticipate looking for a job in 2016, similar obstacles surface, with Not
Enough Money and Age Discrimination continuing to be cited most as to what may hold
them back from getting a new job.
What May Hinder Getting a New Job
37%
My Age
40%
Not being offered enough money
29%
Poor local/ regional labor market
28%
No full time jobs with benefits
24%
Being Overqualified
27%
Being Underqualified
Inability to relocate
21%
Need to update technology skills
21%
13%
Offered different benefits
18%
Cannot describe strengths in interview
8%
Not knowing current jargon
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
Base: Future Job Seekers: n=504
Q19: When looking for a job, what do you think may be an obstacle?
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APPENDIX
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DEMOGRAPHIC
PROFILE
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Demographic Profile
Demographic
Profile
Age: Of the 1,291 respondents completing our Experiences with Work survey, about
one-third (32%) are 35-44 years of age, one-third (35%) are 45-54, and one-third
(33%) are 55-64 years of age.
Gender: There is a roughly fifty: fifty split on gender (men: 49% and women: 51%).
Income: In terms of annual household income, slightly more than one-fifth (22%)
reported incomes of less than $25,000. Additionally, roughly three in ten (29%)
reported incomes between $25,000 and $49,999, one-fifth (20%) between
$50,000 and $74,999, and one in seven (14%) between $75,000 and $99,999.
One in seven (14%) respondents reported an annual household income of
$100,000 or more.
Education: Four in ten (40%) respondents have a high school education (37%) or
less than high school (3%), while nearly half (48%) have some college or technical
training (24%) or are college graduates (24%). One in eight (12%) have postgraduate training or hold a professional degree.
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Demographic Profile, continued
Demographic
Profile
Race or Ethnicity: One in nine (11%) respondents report being of Hispanic origin. In
a separate question, nearly eight in ten (78%) respondents say they consider
themselves to be White, more than one in six (17%) consider themselves to be Black
or African American, three percent consider themselves Asian or Pacific Islander,
and one percent consider themselves to be Native American or Alaska Native.
Another one percent of respondents identify as being of a mixed racial background.
Marital Status: Slightly more than half (56%) of respondents are married, onequarter (24%) are never married, more than one in seven (15%) are divorced, three
percent are widowed, and two percent are separated.
Employment Status: Sixty-one percent are employed either full-time (47%) or parttime (14%), while one in seven (14%) are retired and not working. One in seven
(14%) report “other” employment (such as homemaker), one in ten (10%) are
unemployed and looking for work, and one percent report being retired, but still
working full- or part-time.
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ANNOTATED
QUESTIONNAIRE
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Annotated Questionnaire
Questionnaire
AARP Experience with Work Survey
Annotated Questionnaire
(n=1,291)
This research study is about people’s attitudes and behaviors as they relate to their
everyday lives and their experiences with work and searching for jobs. The survey
will take approximately 10 minutes and the information that you provide will be kept
confidential - your name will not be associated with your individual responses.
This survey is designed for laptop, notebook, and desktop computers; if you
currently are NOT using one of those types of computers, please stop and take this
survey when you are on one of those.
When you are ready to proceed, please MAXIMIZE your screen, then click on the
NEXT button.
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36
Annotated Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Q1. Are you male or female?
Male
Female
49%
51%
Q2. What was your age on your LAST birthday?
35-44
45-54
55-64
32%
35%
33%
Q3. What is the highest level of education that you completed?
Less than high school
High school graduate
Some college or technical training beyond high school
College graduate
Post-graduate training or professional degree
3%
37%
24%
24%
12%
Q4. In which state do you live?
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Annotated Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Current Job Situation
Q5. Are you currently employed?
Yes
No
62%
38%
Q6. (If Q5=yes), How long have you been in your current job? (n=797, currently employed)
Less than six months
Between six months and less than one year
Between one and less than three years
Between three and less than five years
Between five and less than ten years
Ten years or more
5%
4%
14%
11%
22%
44%
Q7. (If Q6=less than six months or between six months and one year), How did you find your current job?
(n=67, those in current job less than one year). Please check all that apply.
// RANDOMIZE THE RESPONSES
Online job listing sites
Company career listings
Personal contacts/Referrals from friends or colleagues
Social media (such as Facebook, LinkedIn, etc…)
In-person events
Online career fair
Newspapers or magazines
Worked with a recruiter
Professional organization websites
Local/regional/national governmental workforce sites
Internal job listing site
None of the above
28%
6%
18%
3%
5%
1%
6%
6%
2%
---3%
25%
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38
Annotated Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Q8. How long were you looking for your current job? (n=797, currently employed)
Less than three months
Between three months and less than six months
Between six months and less than one year
Between one and less than three years
More than three years
60%
17%
10%
6%
7%
Q9. How satisfied would you say you are with your current job in terms of …? (n=797, currently employed)
// RANDOMIZE THE RESPONSES
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
Money/salary
Benefits (e.g., health care, retirement plan,
etc…)
Fulfillment/meaningfulness of the work you
do
Camaraderie among colleagues
Flexibility (hours, telecommuting options,
etc…)
Growth in career path/opportunities to
advance
Relationship with your
boss/manager/supervisor
Commute time to/from work
Recognition/reward for my work effort
Work-life balance
Degree of challenge
On-the-job safety
Extremely
Satisfied
(5)
14%
20%
Very
Satisfied
(4)
30%
28%
Somewhat
Satisfied
(3)
33%
27%
Not very
Satisfied
(2)
16%
13%
Not at all
Satisfied
(1)
7%
12%
27%
36%
26%
6%
4%
29%
31%
38%
32%
27%
25%
3%
8%
3%
5%
17%
27%
32%
15%
10%
29%
36%
26%
5%
5%
41%
18%
27%
22%
38%
30%
31%
37%
37%
37%
21%
32%
26%
30%
20%
5%
12%
7%
7%
4%
3%
8%
3%
4%
2%
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39
Annotated Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Q10. For each of the following statements, please check the box noting your level of agreement with it.
(n=797, currently employed)
// RANDOMIZE THE RESPONSES
A
B
C
D
People listen to me at work.
My opinion is valued at work.
I have opportunities for advancement at
work.
In my job, I am able to make many
decisions on my own.
Strongly
agree
(5)
Somewhat
agree
(4)
Somewhat
disagree
(2)
Strongly
disagree
(1)
37%
36%
27%
Neither
agree
nor
disagree
(3)
19%
16%
24%
36%
37%
23%
8%
7%
14%
8%
4%
13%
41%
36%
14%
5%
5%
Previous Job Searches
Q11. (Skip if Q6=less than one year), How long ago were you actively looking for another job?
(n=1,224 in current job more than six months plus not employed)
I am currently actively looking for another job
Less than six months ago
Between six months and less than one year ago
Between one and less than three years ago
Between three and less than five years ago
Between five and less than ten years ago
Ten years or more
15%
8%
5%
9%
10%
15%
36%
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40
Annotated Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Q12. Why did you decide to look for another job? (n=1,291)
Please check all that apply. // RANDOMIZE THE RESPONSES
Better pay/salary
Better benefits
Job fulfillment
Better work environment
More flexible schedule
Career growth potential
Relationship with your boss/manager/supervisor
Commute time to/from work
Work-life balance
Other (please explain)
43%
19%
17%
19%
18%
16%
9%
11%
21%
6%
Q13. Which of the following tools did you use in your most recent job search?
Please check all that apply. // RANDOMIZE THE RESPONSES
Total
(n=1,291)
Online job listing sites
Company career listings
Personal contacts/Referrals from friends or colleagues
Social media (such as Facebook, LinkedIn, etc…)
In-person events
Online resume/interview assistance
e-Coach
Online career fair
Newspapers or magazines
Worked with a recruiter
Company newsletters
Professional organization websites
Discussion groups
Podcasts/videocasts
Local/regional/national governmental workforce sites
Internal job listing site
43%
22%
39%
17%
18%
15%
2%
10%
32%
10%
7%
15%
4%
3%
19%
20%
Of those
looking
(n=264)
62%
33%
40%
26%
21%
18%
2%
15%
32%
13%
10%
16%
5%
3%
25%
27%
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41
Annotated Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Q14. Please select THREE tools from the list that you found to be most effective for you in your most recent
job search. (n=1,291)// PRESENT IN SAME RANDOM ORDER AS Q13
1. Online job listing sites
2. Personal contact/ referrals
3. Newspapers or magazines
Most Effective
20%
20%
10%
Future Job Searches
Q15. How likely are you to begin actively looking for a new job in 2016? (n=1,291)
Extremely likely
Very likely
Somewhat likely
Not very likely
Not at all likely
12%
10%
16%
21%
41%
Q16. You said you are [extremely/very/somewhat] likely to begin actively looking for a new job in 2016.
From the list below, please select the TOP THREE reasons you expect to look for a new job. (n=504, those
who are extremely/very/somewhat likely to begin looking for a new job.)
// RANDOMIZE THE RESPONSES; PLACE OTHER LAST.
More money
Better retirement benefits
Better health benefits
More job flexibility
More of a challenge in my work
A new line of work
Career advancement
Expecting job loss/layoffs
Relationship with your boss/manager/supervisor
Commute time to/from work
Work-life balance
Better relationships with colleagues
More enjoyable / pleasant work
Other:
74%
15%
28%
25%
11%
25%
21%
9%
9%
17%
24%
6%
30%
6%
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42
Annotated Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Q17. Do you expect to remain in the same industry where you work now? (n=504, those who are
extremely/very/somewhat likely to begin looking for a new job.)
Yes
No
Don’t know
34%
24%
42%
Q18. What sort of job would you prefer to have? (n=504, those who are extremely/very/somewhat likely to
begin looking for a new job.)
As a permanent, full-time employee
As a permanent, part-time employee
As a temporary/contract worker
As a work-share with another person
As a temporary employee with ability to move into a permanent position
To be my own boss/have my own company
62%
21%
3%
1%
3%
10%
Q19. When looking for a new job, what do you think may be an obstacle?
Please check all that apply. // RANDOMIZE THE RESPONSES
Total
(n=1,291)
Not being offered enough money
Not being offered benefits similar to what I have now
Needing to update my technology skills for work
Not knowing some of the new language/terminology for my industry
Not being considered for the job because of my age
Inability to relocate
Poor local/regional labor market
Availability of a full-time job with benefits
Being underqualified in experience or education
Being overqualified
Not being able to describe strengths to hiring manager
37%
14%
19%
7%
42%
21%
24%
23%
21%
22%
13%
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Among those
likely to look
(n=504)
40%
13%
21%
8%
37%
21%
29%
28%
27%
24%
18%
43
Annotated Questionnaire
Questionnaire
General Questions about Jobs and Careers
Q20. What do you think are the TWO most effective ways to network in your field? (n=1,291)
// RANDOMIZE ALL THE SUBQUESTIONS
Informal meetings after work or on the weekend with friends or colleagues
Job Fairs and career related events
Meeting people at conferences/seminars
LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social media
Discussion groups/ forums
Professional group membership
Taking a temporary or part-time position at a company I want to work for fulltime
Blogging or tweeting
Volunteering in the field in which I seek to work
20%
37%
27%
20%
10%
17%
45%
3%
22%
Q21. Which of the following do you currently use? (n=1,280)
Please check all that apply. // RANDOMIZE ALL BUT THE (None of the above) OPTION
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest
Monster.com
Simply Hired
Indeed.com
CareerBuilder.com
Glassdoor
None of the above
25%
65%
21%
16%
17%
16%
5%
14%
15%
4%
20%
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44
Annotated Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Q22. Many individuals are affected by things throughout their career. (n=1,291)
For each of the following, please note whether or not you have ever experienced it.
Please check all that apply. // RANDOMIZE THE RESPONSES
Your workplace was moved to another state
Your workplace was moved to another country
The company you worked for closed or was acquired
You were laid off
You were asked to change to part-time work
Technology took over significant parts of your job
You were asked to take a significant cut in pay
Your health or retirement benefits were reduced
Your health or retirement benefits were eliminated
Other benefits were eliminated
None of the above
8%
3%
21%
28%
5%
4%
8%
9%
5%
6%
49%
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45
Annotated Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Demographic Characteristics
We’re almost finished. We just have a few additional questions that we would like to ask for classification
purposes.
Q23. In what type of area do you live? (n=1,291)
Urban
Suburban
Small town
Rural
25%
43%
12%
20%
Q24. What is your current marital status? (n=1,291)
Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Never married
56%
3%
15%
2%
24%
Q25. Which of the following best describes your current employment status? (n=1,291)
Employed or self-employed FULL-TIME
Employed or self-employed PART-TIME
Retired and not working
Retired still working full- or part-time
Unemployed and looking for work
Other such as homemaker
Student
47%
14%
14%
1%
10%
14%
----
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46
Annotated Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Q26. Are you now, or have you ever been, in the military? (n=1,291)
Yes
No
8%
92%
Q27. Are you of Hispanic origin, such as Latin American, Mexican, Puerto Rican, or Cuban? (n=1,291)
Yes
No
11%
89%
Q28. Do you consider yourself…? If appropriate, you may select more than one answer. (n=1,291)
White
Black
African American
Asian or Pacific Islander
Native American or Alaskan Native
Mixed racial background
Other
78%
11%
6%
3%
1%
1%
2%
Q29. Households are sometimes grouped according to income. (n=1,291)
Please indicate which group best estimates your annual household income before taxes.
Less than $25,000
$25,000 to $34,999
$35,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$150,000 or more
I prefer not to answer
22%
14%
15%
20%
14%
9%
5%
2%
Thank you very much for participating in our study.
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47