Majority of Job Seekers Consider Changing Careers

Six in 10 say they’ve explored employment options in new fields

The pandemic has caused many changes to worker lifestyles, but one of the most surprising effects is how job seekers are reevaluating their career choices. Some are even contemplating major changes.

A majority of active job seekers have explored new employment options in a different career field, according to a new report from CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the information technology (IT) industry and workforce.

The “Job Seeker Trends” report is based on a quantitative research study of nearly 1,500 adults in the U.S. labor force by Morning Consult during the second half of June.

Highlights include:

  • Among current job seekers (approximately 28% of the workforce), 60% said they have looked at new opportunities in a different career field in the past three months.

  • 63% of job seekers have searched for jobs within their current or most recent career field. The findings are nearly consistent across gender, age, education and race/ethnicity.

  • Half of survey respondents said they have previously made a significant career change and moved into a new career field. Over half (52%) said the change had an overall positive impact on their career, while just 4% reported a negative outcome.

  • Among current job seekers looking at options in new fields, 42% expect to be hired in a mid-level job, 30% in an entry-level role, and 19% in an advanced position.

  • Online training courses were identified as the preferred option for individuals considering jobs in information technology (73%).

“The data confirms the historic shifts occurring in the labor market,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and CEO of CompTIA. “We must view this as an opportunity to reset outdated thinking in areas such as skills-based training and hiring. It is imperative we further expand talent pipelines and career pathway opportunities to meet employer needs, especially in the critical area of digital skills.”

Year to date, U.S. employers posted more than 25 million job advertisements seeking to fill openings across every industry sector and job type.

“An active job market is something employers should embrace, not bemoan,” Thibodeaux said. “Smart employers will look for people with potential, even someone who may not be a perfect fit on day one. With an investment in training, that person can quickly progress from an 80-percenter to a 100-percent contributor.”

Source: CompTIA