Where's YOUR dream job?

When times are good life can seem considerably more fun and more varied, as a world of possibilities appears much more easily accessible. It is when times are less prosperous that the squeeze comes on; shrinking job markets can mean less choice and should you find yourself in the employment market, it might be time to evaluate your priorities and perhaps even make a tough decision or two.

What is required here is a clear idea of what's important to you and what you're prepared to do, or perhaps change, in order to get where you want to go. This means you need to set some goals and have a clear idea of what you're prepared to change and/or sacrifice in order to achieve them.

The key component now required, it seems, is flexibility. A recent survey by recruitment specialist Hays has found just this, as one in two job-seekers would relocate overseas for their dream job. The survey revealed that 61 percent of respondents would relocate overseas, 21 percent would accept a lower salary and 18 percent would retrain.

Hays New Zealand managing director Jason Walker says these results demonstrate that in today's market candidates are far more flexible than during the recent period of skills shortages.

"It's easy when the economy is booming and your skills are in demand from multiple employers to take an uncompromising approach to your job search. However, now there is increased competition for the best roles, candidates are more prepared to make concessions.

"This time last year most candidates would only consider a role if it was located within a certain radius of their home.

"However, today candidates are acutely aware of the economic downturn and roles advertised are attracting a larger group of applicants who live not only a further commuting distance, but also in regional areas and international locations, demonstrating a willingness to make a huge commitment to secure their dream role.

"So today the importance of location has been replaced by the responsibilities and duties of the role. Salary has been replaced in importance by job stability, while the importance of job title has been replaced by a willingness to multi-skill or train in a new area to offer more value.

"A candidate prepared to demonstrate such measures is demonstrating a genuine enthusiasm for the role, and provided they have the appropriate skills, experience and cultural fit, they are a candidate likely to be retained long-term," he says.

The survey asked, "What would you be prepared to do for your dream job?"

• Relocate overseas - 60.91 percent


• Accept a lower salary - 20.91 percent 


• Retrain - 18.18 percent