Niche Recruitment

Posted by Niche Recruitment
15th February 2023

Recruitment Insights: What candidates are looking for in 2023

The 2020 pandemic resulted in a significant hiring freeze in many industries, and as the world of recruitment opened back up in 2022, not only did we see an increase in service demand, but there were also noticeable developments in what candidates were prioritising in their job search.  

In today’s recruitment industry, the war on talent has never been tougher, and employers are having to adapt to stand out in the employer market. As a recruitment agency with over 60 years of combined industry experience, we like to think we know a thing or two about what candidates want. 

So what are job seekers looking for in 2023? Below we break down the 4 priorities at the top of candidates’ lists. 

1) Pay Transparency 

In today’s talent-strong market, candidates like to know what they are signing up for before clicking ‘apply’. 2022 Indeed data suggest that candidates’ number one priority when on the job hunt is increased pay. Amid a ‘cost of living crisis’, the end of 2022 saw candidates leaving their jobs in a bid to find a better salary elsewhere.  

A clear salary on your job advert is vital in securing strong candidates. Perhaps you feel that not listing pay is a way of managing expectations. However, with data suggesting salary as job seekers’ main priority, lack of transparency regarding wages will most likely leave your job listing being overlooked.  

2) Flexibility  

2022 saw a rise in popularity for hybrid and remote work, a trend set to continue into 2023.  

Before the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, according to UK Government data, in 2019, ‘12%’ of the UK workforce worked at least one day a week at home. Rising in 2020 to ‘22%’. With numerous lockdowns resulting in the quick adjustment to fully remote working, employees got a taste of work outside of the office. UK Government 2021-2022 research suggests that more than ‘80%’ of employees who worked from home during the pandemic prefer hybrid working models.  

This newfound working style rapidly translated onto the job boards, with 2022 data from Indeed finding searches for remote job roles at a record high.  

3) Employer Branding 

A growing trend in the world of recruitment, employer branding is gradually becoming a major contributor to the quality of candidates companies are attracting. 

Despite what the title might suggest, employer branding is all about the employee. Strong employer branding means including company values and culture in your business’s overall brand.  

Data from the employee-focused platform Glassdoor suggested that ‘75%’ of active job seekers are likely to apply for a job if the employer actively manages its employer brand.  

Don’t just think job boards and websites; social media has a growing influence on job seekers and is a great way to implement employer branding. Glassdoor data suggests that ‘68%’ of millennials visit an employer’s social media to evaluate the employer’s company culture. 

4) Career Progression  

 2020 saw a particularly unpredictable job market. However, as we move into 2023, job seekers are now looking to make a move in their careers. With a newfound focus on finding an opportunity that allows them to expand their skill set and take on new responsibilities.  

2022 data from Indeed found ‘grow my career path’ as the second highest motivation behind candidates commencing their job search.  

As an employer, ensuring a company focus on employee training and development is a great way to accommodate this need.  

Struggling to find candidates?  

We can help!  

At Niche Recruitment, we have over 60 years of collective industry experience recruiting in our specialist sectors. From application screening to advertising packages, we have a service for every recruitment need and budget.  

For more information, get in touch today.