Majority of Irish workers don’t have the confidence to apply for a new job

Over half of Irish workers (51%) admitted not applying for a new job because of a lack of confidence, according to new research by LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network. The research was launched as part of LinkedIn’s new ‘Jobstacles’ campaign to help Irish workers overcome barriers holding them back on their career aspirations in the New Year.

Self-doubt is a major Jobstacle

The research identified self-doubt as one of the main factors holding people back from a new role. Multiple reasons were given by people who lacked the confidence to apply for a new role. 42% of professionals lacking confidence thought they didn’t have strong enough experience, while 40% thought that there were better candidates for the role and 40% were apprehensive about leaving their comfort zone.

This self-doubt applies to all professionals surveyed, with almost a third (30%) of all workers surveyed questioning whether they would like their new job or if it is worse than their current position; almost 2 in 10 professionals (18%) stating that they are scared of rejection and failure; and 18% also admitting that they do not know what to do next. One of the methods to overcome their lack of confidence was talking to someone in a similar role so they would know what to expect, with a third of professionals (31%) saying that such a conversation would be helpful.

Quitting to pursue my dream of not working here

A quarter (24%) of the research participants say that they are currently in a role that they are unhappy with or uninspired by. The lack of job motivation typically leads to people moving on quite quickly, with three quarters (76%) of people unhappy with their previous job admitting that they had been in the role less than a year before they applied for a new job.

When asked about the biggest motivational factors for applying for a new job, two thirds (68%) of professionals say that a salary increase would tempt them to apply for a new role. This was followed by better benefits like flexible working hours and healthcare (41%) and better work life balance (41%). The appeal of feeling wanted was also a plus with four out of ten workers (43%) saying that they would be more likely to apply for a role if they were approached about it.

Not lazy, just lacking motivation

Ironically the comfort of already having a job is also a barrier, with 71% of professionals stating that it makes them less likely to apply for a new role. Their workload is also a factor, with just over half (52%) of professionals agreeing that they find it hard to motivate themselves to look for a new role after being at work all day.  Almost half of workers (45%) also said that they have stayed in a job because they liked their colleagues, despite not enjoying their role.

Sharon McCooey, Head of LinkedIn Ireland, said: “Our research shows that sometimes we can be our own worst enemy when it comes to changing jobs. While some people are happy and fulfilled in work, those who are not are letting a variety of small factors get in the way of their happiness. There is no ‘one size fits all’ career, and people should take the time to talk to their friends and peers to get the inspiration they need to pursue a new job. There’s plenty of people to talk to and job opportunities to research on LinkedIn, so if you’re thinking of changing things up in 2019 log on to find your next challenge.”