Jobseeker confidence soars over last 12 months

The latest statistics to be published by Totaljobs have revealed that jobseeker confidence has soared by 13% over the last 12 months. Despite the fact that the UK is in a double dip recession, jobseekers are gaining confidence in the market with 64% of those who are unemployed feeling positive that they will find a job within the next year.

Having experienced an economic climate that has been difficult, unpredictable and has affected finance recruitment as well as many other industries, the UK is finally starting to see some glimmers of hope. A combination of jobseekers and companies increasing their flexibility and part-time and contract workers being used more frequently means that the percentage of unemployed people out of work for longer than 12 months has fallen by 2%.

70% of the candidates who were surveyed said that they are now prepared to take a job that they are over-qualified for, 43% said they would take pay-cuts and 63% are willing to take on part-time work. On top of adapting their employment needs, jobseekers have also modernised their approach when it comes to finding and applying for jobs.

With technology continuing to advance by the day, figures have revealed that 52% of people are now searching for jobs using their mobile phone. Additionally to this, 72% of tablet users use their device to apply for work which has lead experts to believe that more people are job-seeking on the go.

Although the overall findings have been positive, it was found that there is a big difference in attitudes between the different regions in the UK. With areas such as the north east having been hit hard by the recession, it is not surprising that one in five jobseekers in this area are unsure whether or not they will be employed in the next 12 months. This is a massive difference compared to 68% of Londoners who are confident that they will be.

Whether you are a candidate or a recruiter, what are your observations about the recruitment industry over the last 12 months? Let us know your thoughts below.