Agrijobs Blog

Key factors candidates see as most important when applying for jobs in 2025

Monday, September 8, 2025

Job seekers increasingly prioritize salary and work flexibility as the top 2 priorities in the current economic climate. Here's how employers can address these crucial factors:

 

 

 

Addressing Salary

Embrace Salary Transparency:

Publish salary ranges in job ads. Most job seekers (72%) want this upfront, which saves time, attracts better candidates, and reduces ghosting.

Build trust and fairness through clear pay structures.

Conduct regular market research to ensure competitive compensation and benefits.

Develop a clear compensation philosophy and communicate how pay is determined.

Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits:

Think beyond base salary; include bonuses, equity, and comprehensive benefits like mental health support.

Explore flexible compensation options that let employees tailor benefits to their needs.

Understand employee priorities through surveys to adjust offerings accordingly.

 

Addressing Work Flexibility

Develop a Clear Flexible Work Policy:

Define all available options (remote, hybrid, flexible hours, etc.).

Communicate clear expectations, focusing on outcomes over hours.

Ensure equitable access to flexibility where feasible.

Document arrangements formally.

Foster a Culture of Trust and Support:

Ensure leadership buy-in and role modeling of flexible work.

Shift to outcome-based management, trusting employees to manage their time.

Maintain regular communication and check-ins.

Invest in technology and infrastructure for effective remote work.

 

Be Flexible and Adaptive:

Customize arrangements to fit individual roles and needs.

Consider pilot programs and gather feedback to refine policies.

Continuously review and adapt policies as needs evolve.

Proactively addressing salary and flexibility boosts your employer brand, attracts diverse talent, improves satisfaction, and increases retention in today's competitive job market.

 

Finding Top Talent in 2025

To attract top talent in 2025, employers must adapt their hiring strategies to meet evolving candidate expectations. Here are key areas to focus on:

Salary and flexibility still take out the top 2 positions for what candidates see as most important in the current job market. This is of no surprise considering cost of living and balancing work / family in the current post covid economic climate.

 

Prioritize Job Security

Job seekers now value security as a close third place  with 63% citing it as a top priority after salary and flexibility. This isn't just about younger workers; 75% of Gen X and Boomers also prioritize it. Many workers feel insecure in their current roles and anticipate a more competitive job market. With rising living costs, candidates seek stability.

How to fix it: Emphasize role stability, company performance, and long-term opportunities in job advertisements and interviews.

 

Speed Up the Hiring Process

Slow and complex application processes deter nearly half of all job seekers. Candidates are frustrated by redundant data entry and excessive interview rounds; most prefer one or two interviews, while three or more are seen as excessive. Delays damage your reputation and lead to losing out on great candidates.

How to fix it: Streamline your process, communicate clearly at every stage, set clear expectations, and avoid unnecessary delays.

 

End Candidate Ghosting

Ignoring candidates is detrimental to your hiring efforts. A significant 88% of Australian job seekers have experienced being ghosted after applying for a role. This damages your brand and reputation, leading to disengaged or lost candidates.

How to fix it: Commit to replying to all applicants at every stage, even with automated messages for rejections.

 

Be Transparent, Especially About Salary

Candidates are tired of guesswork. A massive 72% want salary details upfront, and 55% find unclear pay information their top frustration. Vague job ads erode trust and credibility, leading to fewer quality applicants.

How to fix it: Publish salary ranges in job ads, and be clear about role responsibilities, expectations, and next steps in the process.

 

Offer Growth Opportunities

Candidates want to grow, not just grind. Over half of job seekers (53%), and especially Millennials and Gen Z, prioritize career growth and development. If your job ads only list responsibilities, you're missing out.

How to fix it: Highlight learning, mentorship, career pathways, and upskilling opportunities in your job descriptions.

Smarter hiring isn't about doing more, but about doing better. By prioritizing clarity, speed, transparency, and respect, you can bridge the gap between what candidates want and what you can deliver, ultimately attracting and retaining the right talent in 2025.

Get in touch if you are having trouble attracting the right talent.

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