New global research from Korn Ferry looking at 4,900 professionals has found that being bored and needing challenges would be the top reason for seeking a new job in 2018, as cited by a third (33 percent) of respondents. Contributor Gary D. Burnison, Korn Ferry – CEO

When asked what their typical first step is when looking for a new job, almost half (44 percent) cited networking. And in terms of the top ways to network, reconnecting with current and former friends/colleagues and LinkedIn came out on top for 33 percent and 31 percent respectively.

Other key stats include
While 23 percent of respondents said updating their resume is their first step to landing a new role, 19 percent said their first step is taking an inventory of what kind of job would make them the happiest

Nearly half (46 percent) said they were turned down for a job because the interviewer did not take the time to fully understand their qualifications. More than half (53 percent) of respondents said that people who interviewed them for a job were only “somewhat prepared,”   “ill-prepared” or “very ill-prepared”

There is some good news in the survey about how authentic job candidates are during the process. Less than 1-in-10 said they portrayed themselves as different than they actually were with the hope of landing a role.

“Long before job seekers look ‘out there’ for a job, they need to begin inward—with who they are and what they have to offer. With this clear understanding, candidates can target their search to where they will be most satisfied and make the greatest contribution, said Gary D. Burnison, Korn Ferry CEO. “During each part of the job seeking process and throughout their career, people need to understand how they ACT – an acronym that means being authentic, creating a connection and giving prospective bosses and colleagues a taste of who they are, what they do and the contributions they can make.”