Job seekers see local newspapers as the best source of jobs information, according to a study into recruitment advertising.
A survey of 8,000 people, by research firm Human Capital, reveals that 51% would turn to their local newspaper as the first port of call when looking for a new job, nearly six times as many as second choice, Jobcentre Plus at 9%.
Almost a quarter (23%) of people had found their current or last job from their regional newspaper. This was second only to word of mouth (30%), whilst recruitment agencies had only helped 11% of people.
Overall, 47% of people had applied for a job advertised in their local newspaper over the past two years.
Tim Ewington, founding director of Human Capital said: “Regional newspapers and their online services have long been an essential meeting place for people to seek out local employers.
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“Quite simply, 8,000 consumers have said that the local paper remains – overwhelmingly – their first point of call when they are looking for a new job and regional press-owned websites are their preferred online recruitment choice. “
The research, which was commissioned by the Newspaper Society, also shows that 54% of people are open to adverts for job vacancies, with 11% having just started looking, 11% saying that they are always looking to move, and 32% saying that they would consider a new job if they came across it.
