The Criteria's 2023 Candidate Experience Report sheds light on the current job priorities of candidates in the United Kingdom. The report, based on over 2,000 responses, highlights the topmost priorities of candidates and sheds light on the areas where organisations need to focus on to attract the best candidates.  

Better Work-Life Balance: A Top Priority

According to the report, candidates still place better work-life balance at the top of their priority list. 23% of candidates placed it in the number one slot, indicating the importance of having a healthy balance between work and personal life. They want to be able to have time for their family, friends, and hobbies outside of work.

Organisations need to be mindful of the fact that employees value their personal lives and would prefer a work environment that allows them to strike a balance between work and personal life.

Career Advancement Opportunities: A Must-have

Candidates want to work for a company that will help them grow and develop their skills. They want to be able to take on new challenges and learn new things – otherwise known as “internal mobility”. However, only 28% of organisations have internal mobility programs in place, which is a concern for candidates who want to advance in their careers.  

Organisations that provide career advancement opportunities to their employees are more likely to attract and retain top talent.

Compensation: Important, But Isn’t Everything

Despite the perception that organisations often have that candidates care about compensation the most, the report reveals that better compensation remains in third position. While compensation is important, it is not the only factor that candidates consider when choosing a job.

Other Priorities

Apart from the top three priorities, candidates also value other elements:

• Company culture. Candidates want to work in a company where they feel like they fit in and can contribute to the team. They want to work for a company with values that align with their own, and they want to be surrounded by people who are passionate about their work.
• Benefits. In addition to salary, candidates are also looking for a competitive benefits package. This includes things like health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and sick leave.

• A sense of purpose. Candidates want to feel like their work is making a difference in the world. They want to work for a company that is doing something that they believe in.

A study by Glassdoor found that company culture is the most important factor for candidates when choosing a job. The study found that 69% of candidates would not accept a job offer from a company with a bad culture. An article from the Harvard Business Review highlighted that 75% of candidates would leave their current job for a better opportunity.

These studies show that compensation is not the only factor that candidates consider when choosing a job. They want to work for a company that they feel good about, that offers them benefits, that has a good work-life balance, and that provides them with opportunities for growth and development.

Conclusion

The report highlights the importance of offering better work-life balance, career advancement opportunities, and better compensation to attract the best candidates. Organisations that can provide these benefits to their employees are more likely to attract and retain top talent.

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