In the ever-evolving landscape of recruitment and employment, understanding candidate behaviour and preferences is crucial for organisations seeking to attract and retain top talent.
A recent survey conducted by Gartner, Inc. sheds light on the complexities of job acceptance, candidate priorities and the factors that drive their decisions. The survey, which collected responses from nearly 3,500 candidates in May 2023, uncovers a range of insights that offer valuable lessons for employers navigating the competitive talent market.
One of the most striking findings of the Gartner survey is that 50% of respondents accepted a job offer over a 12-month period but ultimately backed out before commencing their new role. This trend highlights a significant level of uncertainty and change of heart among candidates after the initial acceptance.
According to Jamie Kohn - Senior Director in the Gartner HR practice - “We are seeing many candidates uncommitted to their new employer and keeping one foot in the job market.”
The survey also points to the prevalence of multiple job offers during the job search process, with 35% of candidates reporting that they received four or more offers. While multiple offers might seem like a positive outcome for candidates, it leads to a more complex decision-making process. Interestingly, even after accepting an offer, 47% of respondents admitted they were still open to exploring other opportunities, and 42% believed they could find a better job if they continued their search. This reflects the high level of uncertainty in the job market.
When it comes to reasons for accepting a job offer, the survey highlights several key drivers that influence candidates' decisions. Flexibility takes the lead, with 59% of respondents stating that greater flexibility in terms of work timing and location played a significant role in their choice. Work-life balance (45%) and higher compensation (40%) are also strong motivators, emphasising the importance of personal well-being and financial rewards in candidates' career choices.
The concept of Employee Value Proposition (EVP) comes to the forefront in the survey's findings. Nearly 90% of candidates reported that they had withdrawn from a hiring process due to mismatches between their preferences and the EVP offered by the employer. This goes beyond just compensation and benefits, encompassing aspects like flexible working hours, career advancement paths, skills development, diversity within teams and management styles. The results underscore the importance of clearly communicating the organisation's EVP and aligning it with candidate expectations.
Salary transparency also plays a significant role in the recruitment process. The survey indicates that 68% of candidates expect to see salary information in job postings and 64% are more likely to apply for a position that lists compensation details. Strikingly, 44% of candidates decided not to apply for jobs that lacked remuneration information which highlights the need for employers to be transparent about compensation to attract and engage potential candidates.
In the context of the ongoing discussion about remote work, the survey findings are crystal clear. Among candidates who have the option to work remotely, 75% prefer remote work for more than 50% of their work time.
The Gartner survey provides a comprehensive view of the changing dynamics in the world of job acceptance and candidate preferences. To stand out in the crowd, attract the right talent and foster a more engaged and committed workforce, employers must understand the drivers that impact candidate decisions – such as the influence of multiple offers, the emphasis on flexibility and work-life balance, the rising importance of transparent communication and a strong EVP – and align their strategies with these preferences.
