Monster Poll Shows Majority of Americans Plan to Seek New Job in 2005; Growing Percentage of Workers - 46 Percent - Are Optimistic about New Year Employment Prospects

MAYNARD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 2004--As companies across the nation finalize their 2005 staffing needs, job seekers are gearing up to ring in the New Year with an energized career. According to the latest series of Monster Meter polls, 93 percent of Americans plan to look for a new job in the New Year. The Monster Meter, a product of Monster(R), the leading global online careers site and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST), is an ongoing series of online polls that gauge users' opinions on a variety of topics relating to careers, the economy and the workplace.

In addition, when asked about their top work-related New Year's resolutions, 46 percent of Monster site users strive to land a job, while 33 percent resolve to switch careers; and showing work/life balance continues to be an issue for today's employee, 14 percent plan to work fewer hours.

"The U.S. job market has shown steady expansion throughout the year - and these poll results show that Americans are ready to take advantage of this improvement," said Jeff Taylor, Founder and Chief Monster. "The start of a new year typically marks the time when hiring managers, fresh with new budgets, look to expand hiring in key focus areas. These listings are often for jobs that are a priority for companies, so January is a great time for job seekers to find new, exciting, and challenging employment opportunities."

New Year Job Seeking Tips -- Be the First: Many companies post jobs early in the year, with the initial mind-set of recruiting through January. This is a great opportunity to be among the first who apply, get in the door, and impress them early on in the recruitment process. -- Keep it Current: Make updating your resume the first cleanup project of the year. Regularly polishing a resume is essential, as terminology and employer needs are always changing. -- Find a Mentor: Many workers strive to move upwards within their organization in 2005. To increase chances of a promotion, utilize nearby resources and learn from the employees in the office. Locate someone who enjoys and excels in their work, and ask them to be your mentor for the year. -- Network: Events, such as New Year's parties, are a good opportunity to talk to people in a relaxed and friendly environment who can help uncover employment opportunities before they are made public. -- Take Advantage of Down Time: Fewer job seekers try to find jobs during the holiday season, so it may be easier to stand out from the crowd and get noticed by employers. The Monster New Year's Poll Series

The Monster Meter asked, "Do you plan to look for a new job in the New Year?" (a)

-- 93% said: "Yes." -- 7% said: "No."

The Monster Meter asked, "What is at the top of your 2005 New Year's resolution list?" (b)

-- 59% said: "Get a new job." -- 19% said: "Lose weight." -- 14% said: "Improve my work life balance." -- 8% said: "Become more organized."

The Monster Meter asked, "If you were to make one resolution about work, what would it be?" (c)

-- 46% said: "To get a job." -- 33% said: "To switch careers." -- 14% said: "To work fewer hours." -- 7% said: "To work harder." The Monster Meter asked, "Do expect to receive a holiday bonus this year?" (d) -- 70% said: "No." -- 30% said: "Yes."

The Monster Meter asked, "Are you optimistic about the job market for 2005?" (e)

-- 54% said: "No." -- 46% said: "Yes."

(a) The results of this Monster Meter are based on 8,044 votes cast by Monster users from December 6th to December 8th, 2004 on the Monster.com homepage. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation. Anyone interested in voting in Monster's current online poll may do so by logging onto Monster at www.monster.com. Users may review the results of this poll by going to http://forums.monster.com/poll.asp?pollid=6201. These polls are not scientific and reflect the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate.

(b) The results of this Monster Meter are based on 3,875 votes cast by Monster users from December 13th to December 14th, 2004 on the Monster.com homepage. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation.

(c) The results of this Monster Meter are based on 2,852 votes cast by Monster users from December 15th to December 17th, 2004 on the Monster.com homepage. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation.

(d) The results of this Monster Meter are based on 3,886 votes cast by Monster users from December 9th to December 12th, 2004 on the Monster.com homepage. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation.

(e) The results of this Monster Meter are based on 15,600 votes cast by Monster users from November 15th to November 22nd, 2004 on the Monster.com homepage. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation.

About Monster

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Monster is the leading global online careers property. A division of Monster Worldwide (NASDAQ: MNST), Monster works for everyone by connecting quality job seekers at all levels with leading employers across all industries. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Maynard, Mass., Monster has 25 local language and content sites in 23 countries worldwide. Monster is the official online career management services sponsor of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team. More information is available at www.monster.com or by calling 1-800-MONSTER. To learn more about Monster's industry-leading employer products and services, please visit http://recruiter.monster.com.

About Monster Worldwide

Founded in 1967, Monster Worldwide, Inc. is the parent company of Monster(R), the leading global online careers property. The company also owns TMP Worldwide, the world's largest Yellow Pages advertising agency and one of the world's largest Recruitment Advertising agency networks. TMP Worldwide is also a provider of direct marketing services. Headquartered in New York with approximately 5,000 employees in 26 countries, Monster Worldwide (NASDAQ: MNST) is a member of the S&P 500 Index. More information about Monster Worldwide is available at www.monsterworldwide.com.

Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding Monster Worldwide, Inc.'s strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of Monster Worldwide's control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward- looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which Monster Worldwide operates, risks associated with acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks discussed in Monster Worldwide's Form 10-K and other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which discussions are incorporated in this release by reference.

CONTACT: Monster
Kevin Mullins, 978-461-8751
kevin.mullins@monster.com
or
Weber Shandwick Worldwide
Kerry Parke, 617-520-7019
kparke@webershandwick.com

SOURCE: Monster Worldwide, Inc.