As many as 6% of all mobile searches were for jobs and recruitment consultants just before Christmas 2006, according to MobilePeople's Mobile Search Trends 2006 European study.
According to the collated report, the overall number of mobile searches conducted during 2006 grew tenfold on the previous year, and the top 20 searches generated 80% of the entire search volume.
The data also revealed the top mobile search categories before and during the festive period. Taxis came in top of the list as people struggled to get home after a night out, while the most popular brands searches were for Ikea and Toys R Us. The searches peaked on December 24 with a rush on consumer electronics searches, and again on December 27.
Eden Zoller, principal analyst at Ovum's consumer practice, said: "The combination of 3G networks and improved device capabilities means that mobile search is getting faster and easier.
"It is becoming something people want to try and, as the survey highlights, comes into its own when people are time constrained, on the move and need something quickly."
Jens Andersen, CEO and co-founder of MobilePeople, said: "It is evident that consumers are warming up to the idea of searching on mobiles. Who would have thought a year ago about looking for a job on their mobile?
"Companies worldwide are now facing winning over the 'I need it now' generation that chooses a mobile phone as a means of searching for information. It’s the final call to get on the mobile web or miss out."
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