What Top Candidates Look for in an Employer
By
Elisabeth Zaloznik
Top candidates want purpose, growth, flexibility, and strong leadership. Learn how to communicate culture clearly, strengthen your employer brand, and attract talent that fits and stays.
What Top Candidates Look for in an Employer
The hiring market has changed—and top candidates are evaluating employers differently than they did a few years ago.
Compensation still matters, but the best talent is also looking for clarity, growth, and alignment. They want to know: Will I be valued here? Will I grow here? Will my work matter?
If your hiring process isn’t answering those questions, top candidates will move on—even if your offer is competitive.
1) Purpose and Meaning (Not Just a Paycheck)
High performers want to connect their work to something that matters. They’re asking:
What impact does this role have on customers, clients, or the community?
Does leadership communicate a clear mission?
Is the work meaningful—or just busy?
How to show it: Tie the role to outcomes. Share the “why” behind the position and what success looks like beyond tasks.
2) Growth and Development
Top candidates don’t just want a job—they want a path.
They look for:
Training and mentorship
Clear expectations and performance feedback
Career progression (not vague promises)
Leaders who invest time in developing people
How to show it: Talk about how you onboard, how you coach, and what growth looks like in 6–12 months.
3) Flexibility and Trust
Flexibility isn’t always about remote work. Often, it’s about autonomy and trust:
Do leaders measure outcomes or micromanage activity?
Is there predictability and respect for personal time?
Is the environment adaptable—or rigid without reason?
How to show it: Be clear about what flexibility means in your organization (hours, hybrid options, autonomy, schedule structure).
4) Strong Leadership and Healthy Culture
Top candidates pay close attention to leadership behavior.
They want:
Clear direction
Accountability without chaos
Emotional intelligence
A culture where standards are high and people are respected
How to show it: Candidates will judge culture through the interview process. Your communication, follow-up, and consistency are all part of your employer brand.
5) Competitive Compensation and Total Rewards
Yes—compensation matters. But top candidates want transparency and fairness:
Competitive base pay (or clear commission structure)
Benefits that support real life
Incentives tied to performance
A realistic ramp and success expectations
How to show it: Provide ranges when possible and explain the full picture—benefits, incentives, growth opportunity, and support.
Your Culture Is Communicating—Even When You’re Not
Candidates are reading between the lines:
How fast do you respond?
Are interviews organized?
Do leaders show up prepared?
Is the process respectful of their time?
These details answer the biggest question: Is this a place where I’ll thrive?
How True Axis Recruiting Helps You Attract Top Talent
At True Axis Recruiting, we help employers clarify their message and attract candidates who align—not just apply.
We support you by:
Positioning your opportunity clearly (purpose, growth, culture, expectations)
Sharing what top candidates need to hear to say “yes”
Bringing you a stronger shortlist—built on alignment, not volume
📞 Ready to attract talent that fits and stays? Let’s connect: Schedule a call