Training a Key Benefit

Good benefits, flexible schedules also top job-search wish lists.

Employer-paid training is extremely important for attracting top-notch technology professionals, according to a Techies.com survey.

The survey of more than 1,700 U.S. technology professionals also found that employers offering good benefits, flex time, child care and telecommuting were considered highly desirable. Bottom of the list: overseas travel opportunities and working for startups.

"I'm looking to catch on with a company that is prepared to challenge me and offer career growth," said one respondent. "Career growth will outweigh the money factor 100 percent of the time when I look at different companies."

Female technologists were more interested in flex time and telecommuting than men, and tended to react more favorably overall to interview claims. The most experienced technical professionals also seemed the most cynical, reacting less favorably to most of the employers' statements.

Just Saying No
But while money isn't a top priority for most during an interview, it is the biggest reason male tech workers turn down job offers, according to the survey. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to turn down a job offer because of a problem with the job or the employer.

Respondents said they're comfortable with waiting through one to two months of unemployment—turning down other offers if necessary—to find the right job. That waiting comfort zone grows as workers mature, gain on-the-job-experience and are promoted to management positions.

Surprisingly, though, those who are unemployed seem willing to wait longer to find the right job than the fully employed: 67 percent of unemployed respondents said they'd wait two months or more; 38 percent would wait six months or more. The self-employed are the most confident group of all: Nearly three-quarters said they'd wait two months or more for the right job.

How favorably do you react when a potential employer makes the following statements during an interview?
(ranked on a scale of 1 to5, 5 being most favorable)
Statement
Overall
Less than 10 years' experience
More than 10 years' experience
Women
Men
"We'll pay to keep your technical training and certification up to date."
4.4
4.5
4.2
4.5
4.4
"Our benefits include child care, stock options, lots of bonuses and paid medical/optical/dental expenses."
4.3
4.4
4.2
4.4
4.3
"We have flexible hours and allow telecommuting."
4.3
4.3
4.3
4.5
4.2
"We believe in giving employees lots of variety to keep them challenged and interested."
4.0
4.1
3.9
4.2
4.0
"We believe in giving employees ownership of a single project and letting them see it through to completion."
3.8
3.8
3.8
3.8
3.8
"We want our employees to have fun, so we offer games, an onsite gym and free cafeteria."
3.7
3.8
3.5
3.8
3.7
"The work here isn't easy, but you'll be using state-of-the-art technologies."
3.6
3.7
3.4
3.6
3.6
"We're profitable, we have money in the bank and our business is growing."
3.6
3.6
3.6
3.6
3.6
"Our managers really care about the people that work for them."
3.6
3.7
3.3
3.7
3.5
"We want to put you on a fast track for promotions and career growth."
3.6
3.7
3.2
3.6
3.5
"This position involves traveling overseas."
2.9
3.0
2.7
3.0
2.9
"We're a startup with a tremendous growth potential and an opportunity to get in on the ground floor."
2.9
2.9
2.7
2.9
2.9

If you turned down an offer resulting from your last job search, what was the reason?
Reason
Overall
Women
Men
Better offer
16%
18%
16%
Money/Benefits
32%
23%
34%
Problem with employer
30%
32%
29%
Problem with job
22%
27%
21%
Total
100%
100%
100%

While unemployed, how long are you willing to hold out (i.e., not accept lesser offers) for your ideal job?
Amount of time
Overall
Less than 10 years' experience
More than 10 years' experience
Two Weeks
18%
20%
13%
One Month
30%
33%
23%
Two Months
29%
29%
28%
Six Months
17%
14%
24%
More Than Six Months
7%
5%
13%

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