Career StyleWatch 2011: Personal Career Satisfaction is Back in Style

44% of people looking for a new job are currently employed

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Dec 20, 2010, 02:53 ET

HANOVER, Md., Dec. 20, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- With more than 15 million people currently unemployed in the U.S., according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it's no surprise people are actively looking for jobs. But even during these tough economic times when jobs are sparse and people are struggling to keep their jobs, the unemployed will likely be vying for available positions with employed individuals throughout 2011.

Personal career satisfaction — something many job seekers haven't thought about for years — is making a comeback in people's quest for jobs. According to a recent survey conducted by Aerotek, a leading U.S. staffing provider, 44% of respondents looked for a new job within the past year for reasons related to personal career satisfaction — not because of layoffs or being unemployed.

Job Seeker Trends

The most popular reason employed individuals looked for a job within the past year was because they were either overworked or underpaid (23%), followed by dissatisfaction with current position and/or company (10%), looking to advance their career (9%) and career change (2%).

"The economic downturn has created a great deal of uncertainty within the job market over the past several years," said Todd Gardner, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Aerotek. "Even though times may be tough, more and more people are refusing to put their career goals on hold and are taking chances even with limited job opportunities."

Job Search Tips for the Career-Focused

When conducting a job search while currently employed, it's important to keep in mind the following key points:

1. Do Your Homework

It is important to conduct research to better understand the industry in which you are seeking a job. Companies are looking for experts so take the time to read the fine print and educate yourself.

2. Identify The Industry

Training and experience are critical requirements that companies look for in potential candidates. If you haven't already identified a specific area of expertise within your industry, it is essential that you do so prior to applying for positions.

3. Network

Attend relevant conferences and events, join industry-specific Internet-based groups, and participate in discussions related to your targeted industry in online forums.

4. Tailor Your Resume

Make yourself marketable. The more relevant detail you provide about your background and experience will enhance the chance of your resume getting pushed through for a second look.

5. Partner with a Staffing Company

Consider partnering with a staffing company that places individuals within your industry. Staffing companies offer job seekers a range of possibilities, including access to a database of job opportunities that may not otherwise be available to them.

About Aerotek

Aerotek, headquartered in Hanover, Md., is a leading provider of technical, professional and industrial staffing services. Established in 1983, Aerotek is an operating company of the Allegis Group, the largest provider of staffing services in the United States. Aerotek operates a network of more than 150 non-franchised offices throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. For more information, visit www.aerotek.com.

SOURCE Aerotek