Learning, growth opportunities top factor for jobseekers

Company culture, pay and benefits further behind as considerations: Survey

Learning, growth opportunities top factor for jobseekers
Forty-two per cent of respondents said learning and growth opportunities were a top factor in deciding to accept a job offer. Shutterstock

Learning and growth opportunities are the top factor in deciding whether to accept a job offer, according to a recent survey.

When asked “What is most important to you when deciding to accept a job offer?” respondents answered:

  • learning and growth opportunities – 42 per cent
  • company’s culture – 18 per cent
  • pay and benefits – 17 per cent
  • what the company does – 12 per cent
  • workplace flexibility – nine per cent
  • company’s online reputation – two per cent

Trends have been heading this way for a while, said Sandra Miles, president and CEO of Miles Employment Group, which conducted the survey of 215 people.

“Candidates want stimulating roles that allow them to add new skills and experiences. Our candidates want to know that they will see development in their position in order to progress to leadership roles,” she said.

“These results show the value of weaving learning and educational opportunities into a company’s employee package and employer culture. Ensuring these aspects are in place is crucial to attracting the best talent possible.”

Whilst some recruiters may have spent time working on their online reputation due to the rise of Glassdoor and Indeed, a mere two per cent of jobseekers make their decision based on a company’s online reputation, said Miles.

“Potential employees need to see something more tangible than good reviews. Reviews are very important for employers in all industries but what our survey indicates is that these reviews and the overall reputation of an employer does not play a big part in the final decision of a candidate. Candidates prefer knowing that they are joining an organization with a good culture, mission and values as well as opportunities to improve their skills.”

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