What candidates are looking for in a job right now

Job seeker expectations have evolved significantly in the past decade. Gone are the days where a simple job that pays the bills is enough. A lot of time is spent at work, and it’s no surprise that people want a career that offers meaning and purpose.

Understanding what motivates people helps, you tailor your recruitment strategies, culture and benefits in a way that appeals to the modern-day job seekers. Let’s dive a little deeper into what they are looking for.

1. Better compensation and benefits

This one may be obvious, but with the cost of living increasing, it’s no surprise. Job seekers want a job that pays them a fair wage and offers comprehensive benefits. Our Workforce Trends Research revealed that this is the key driver to whether an employee stays or leaves. And with a whopping 83% of Gen Z’s researching additional sources of income to keep up with living expenses, job seekers prefer one great job, so they don’t have to find two.

People want to feel valued and appreciated for the work they do, and offering good benefits and compensation packages are an excellent way to show it. Some of the most loved perks last year were things like flexible working, health insurance, wellbeing programs and extra super. We understand that not every company is able to offer these benefits or a higher salary instantly, however it’s important to be transparent in explaining this to staff, and suggesting alternative ways that you may be able work towards it in the future.

2. Opportunity for career progression

Many modern-day candidates are looking for a career with purpose, they don’t want to feel ‘stuck’ in a role that has no room for growth. Our study showed that 36% of people left their role because they had limited opportunity for career progression.

Employers who want to attract and retain their people need to demonstrate a clear progression path. Whether it be through promotions, job rotations, or cross-functional projects, it shows you are committed to your team’s long-term success, and you’ll find an increase in overall productivity and retention.

3. Professional development opportunities

Candidates tend to want a career with long-term growth potential, so simply outlining the progression path is not enough. This means creating a culture of continuous learning by fostering an environment where employees feel encouraged and supported in their pursuit of knowledge and skills.

Employers can do this by offering opportunities, such as workshops, training sessions, and online courses, demonstrating commitment to their growth. Even encouraging attendance at networking events and conferences helps candidates see they have the opportunities to thrive and stay competitive in their industry.

4. Leadership support

We all want to feel supported and it’s no different for job seekers. They want to work for a company where they can learn from experienced leaders and feel like they are part of a team working towards a common goal.

Employers who prioritise creating a supportive and collaborative work environment are more likely to attract top talent. One way to showcase this to potential candidates is through company branding. By highlighting employee testimonials and company culture videos, employers can showcase their team spirit, demonstrating to candidates why they should choose to work for them.

5. Job security

This is the top priority for job seekers right now. In fact, 88% of workers we surveyed said they are more likely to stay in their current position for job security. In an uncertain economy, candidates want to work for a company that can provide stability and long-term prospects. They want assurance that their job is secure and that they won’t be let go at the first sign of trouble.

It’s vital for employers to instil confidence in their potential candidates. It’s important to help them believe in a better future and show the company is financially stable and has a solid reputation in the industry.

Want to know what else candidates really want?

In conclusion, job seekers are looking for more than just a job title and salary. They want a career in a company that offers opportunities for progression, professional development, support, job security and a great benefits package. Employers who prioritise these factors are likely to attract and retain top talent and build a strong, dedicated workforce.

If you want personalised guidance on what job seekers are looking for in your local market, you can reach out to one of our specialist consultants. They can provide insights and strategies to help you attract and retain top talent.