Dive Brief:
- A survey by Chicago-based Addison Group points to the top factors on candidates' wish lists when looking for a job. Not surprisingly, salary tops the list, but it's followed closely by employer loyalty and office location.
- As the effects of a tight candidate market continue to put the squeeze on employers, applicants are using the dearth to ask for higher wages. The survey also reveals that workers consider working for an employer that values staff very important. Perhaps surprisingly, while job seekers ranked office location third on their wish lists, 72% agreed they’d accept a longer commute for the right job.
- The report also found that only 17% reported quitting a position because of a bad manager, contrary to the recent popular notion that employees quit their bosses, not their company.
Dive Insight:
Wages continue to be a top consideration for candidates, and they’re in a good position as the applicant pool continues to shrink. Although recent findings point to many employers low-balling potential new hire offers, more and more applicants are willing to negotiate a salary offer and ask for higher wages before accepting.
A push to find employers that value staff is another top wish list item for applicants. Companies that invest in staff training and upskilling improve succession planning and increase engagement and retention. Positive brand identity also translates into more applicants, and with a range of online reviews — and perhaps complaints — it’s important to maintain your employer brand. Studies have shown that such reviews do actually paint an accurate picture of an employer culture, though some bias does apply.
These days, candidates may be more focused on personal career building rather than longevity with a single employer, which means that employers must offer a productive work experience above all.