What Candidates Want in 2024?

Our Global Workplace Study uncovered professionals are becoming more discerning when it comes to advancing their careers and many are walking away from opportunities if key criteria are not met.

Key findings:

• Salary, career growth and meaningful work are the top 3 priorities when deciding to take a new opportunity
• 62% of professionals are moving as their salaries aren't at the right level
• 47% of people have declined a job offer as a result of the unprofessional approach from the interviewer or hiring manager
• Too many interview rounds, slow processes and decision-making are negatively affecting candidate experience
• 50% of employees are ready to skip a pay raise if it means they get the flexibility of working patterns that they desire

1. Balancing financial and non-financial incentives

Whilst compensation is one of the primary drivers when it comes to moving jobs, the top 7 reasons cited in our research were more than just salary:

“62% of professionals are moving as their salaries aren't at the right level.”

Consider what's important to you in your career search.

As a reminder, in-demand skill sets are pushing up certain salaries. If these are critical skills for an organisation, they'll be prepared to offer a competitive package to attract the right professionals.

If you are unsure of what the industry average is for salary for your role, our salary guide will give you a good idea of what you should be earning.

2. Candidate experience is inconsistent

“47% of people have declined a job offer as a result of the unprofessional approach from the interviewer or hiring manager”

The interview process is a very good indication of the organisation, their culture, attitude and investment in their employees.

Take time to assess their efforts in attracting you. If there are red flags, raise them with your recruitment consultant.

3. Extended hiring processes are causing frustration

When asked, ‘What would cause you to walk away from potential opportunities during the interview and application process?’ 34% of respondents shared that there were too many interview rounds, slow processes, and decision-making.

This aligns with what we’re hearing from employers, as 24% said that the slow hiring process was one of the reasons for losing out on hiring new talent.

Ask about timeframes and when the process is due to be completed and then you can manage other roles you're applying for.

“We have seen clients streamline their laborious interview processes, reduce the number of unique rounds, offer flexibility in availability, be more disciplined with start/finish times as well as increase the level of touch points and engagements throughout the interview process.”

4. The importance of flexible working

“50% of employees are ready to skip a pay raise if it means they get the flexibility of working patterns that they desire”

In a world where work-life balance is still a priority for many candidates, flexibility is a compelling differentiator. Globally, 56% of companies are asking staff to come back into the office more regularly, and in many markets, this tension is growing between employees and employers' expectations.

In terms of employees’ preferences, most selected '1-2 days in the office' (43%), followed by '3-4 mandatory days in the office' (29%), and then '100% work from home' (16%). The remaining 12% selected ‘5 days per week’, with the majority of responses being around having more personal choice to decide when and where they work, depending on their personal situation.

Employers who can accommodate these preferences will be able to stand when hiring.

Professionals are empowered and their priorities have shifted. By understanding your career goals, you can ensure you are joining an organisation that offers the right responsibilities, benefits and experience which matter to you.

Whilst remuneration packages top the list of many professionals’ reasons for moving jobs, don’t just focus on salary. Meaningful work, flexibility, inclusion, and responsible practices, and often just as important.

For more expert advise on hiring and managing your career, visit our website here.