According to JobsDB’s Job Seeker Salary Report 2008, for job seekers who have changed jobs, more than half of them have intention to change their present jobs again.

The survey has found that job seekers have high intention of changing jobs. Among the respondents, more than a quarter (27%) changed jobs in the first half of 2008. Mr. Vincent Koo, Executive Director of JobsDB Holdings Limited, says, “Among these respondents, more than half (55.5%) have intention to change their present jobs again. The major reasons for changing jobs are being unsatisfied with current salary & fringe benefits, slim advancement prospect, and being discontent with company culture.”

Reasons for Changing Jobs
Among respondents who have changed jobs, more than 70% got a pay rise. More than 15% (15.5%) changed jobs even though they got a pay cut. Mr. Koo comments, “Possible reasons for job seekers to receive a pay cut in a new job are that they have quit their jobs before they found a new one, they have changed career fields, and intolerable situation in their current companies.”

Mr. Koo advises job seekers to think thoroughly before considering a job change. “Job seekers should not only change jobs for higher salaries only. Instead, they have to consider other factors such as the company’s prospects and developments, and chances for personal growth at the company, which are essential to the long-term career developments of job seekers.”

Pay Rise in 2008
Among the employed respondents, the overall average salary adjustment in 2008 of all job functions is 8.7% compared with 2007. The largest increase is in Banking & Finance (12.3%), followed by Information technology (10.4%) and Editorial / Journalism (10.0%).

Benefits to Attract Staff
In the survey, it is found out that the commonest benefit employees received is clinical (out-patient) services (71.5%), followed by five-day working week (57.2%). More than one-third of the employed respondents were entitled to marriage leave (36.4%), and Chinese bonesetters & medical practitioners consultation (34.0%). More than a quarter of the respondents enjoyed on-job training (32.3%), compassionate leave (27.1%) and dental service (26.7%). As talent competition is keen among employers nowadays, companies should consider providing these benefits in order to retain and attract staff.

For details of the JobsDB Job Seeker Salary Report 2008, refer to http://www.jobsdb.com/HK/EN/V6HTML/jobseeker/resources/survey2008/index.htm.