And yet, paradoxically, older HR workers had much more confidence in their ability to find another job if necessary. Among those new to the field, only 63 percent said they felt very good about their ability to score another gig, compared to 88 percent of the field overall.

Perhaps that suggests that while more senior employees are aware that their current employer could shed jobs in the near-future, they are similarly aware that other jobs will be available if they are laid off. Junior employees do not perceive as great a risk of being laid off, but they may also dread the idea of applying for another job without a deeper resume.

Compared to other types of workers, HR professionals appear to be very happy with their work. Only 19 percent of those surveyed said they were looking for other work. In contrast, recent studies have suggested that a majority of U.S. workers are considering leaving their current job, while nearly a third are actively seeking new employment.

But for those seeking HR positions, the market looks pretty tough. Less than 30 percent of respondents said their organization was looking for more HR staff currently.

Employers that are seeking additional HR personnel seem to be hunting for a Jack of all HR trades, rather than applicants with a specific expertise. Forty-nine percent said they were seeking “generalists,” compared to only 31 percent who said they wanted recruiters and 14 percent who said they were seeking benefits specialists.