2025 Job Seeker Survey: Insights for Hiring Managers

At Career Group Companies, we believe that understanding job seekers' priorities, challenges, and expectations is key to helping companies build stronger teams and refine their hiring strategies. To gain deeper insight into today’s job market, we surveyed 774 professionals across industries, career levels, and locations.

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The results provide a comprehensive look at how candidates are navigating the job market—from job search trends and salary expectations to workplace preferences and hiring process frustrations.

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One thing is clear: today’s job seekers are highly selective about where they work, how they work, and what they expect from employers. With many prioritizing flexibility, stability, and career growth, companies must stay ahead of shifting workforce trends to attract, hire, and retain top talent.

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For hiring managers, these insights offer a valuable opportunity to reassess their recruitment strategies, fine-tune their employer value proposition, and ensure their hiring process is aligned with candidate expectations.

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‍For more in-depth job market analysis, download our free Market Trend Report. For the survey results only, download the 2025 Job Seeker Experience Survey Results.

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Who Took Our Survey

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Why These Insights Matter for Employers

Hiring is more competitive than ever, and understanding candidate behavior is critical for companies looking to secure top talent. Here’s what these insights mean for hiring managers and HR teams:

Job Searches are Taking Longer

Many unemployed job seekers face a lengthy job search, with over half searching for four months or longer. This suggests a highly competitive market, where finding the right role takes time. Employers can capture top talent quickly by working with a staffing firm that actively engages with job seekers before they secure other opportunities.

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Employee Benefits Can Make or Break a Job Offer

Salary is important, but job seekers are looking beyond just compensation when evaluating potential employers. The top non-salary benefits candidates prioritize include medical benefits, 401K/retirement plans, PTO, bonuses, and profit-sharing/stock options. Companies that offer strong benefits packages have a major hiring advantage—while those that don’t risk losing top talent to competitors with better perks. The solution? Employers should highlight their benefits upfront and consider enhancing their offerings to attract and retain high-quality candidates.

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How Candidates Are Finding Jobs

How Did You Find Your Most Recent Job?

• Through a staffing firm: 315 respondents (40%)
• Direct company application (LinkedIn, website, etc.): 330 respondents
• Through a personal connection: 95 respondents

Why This Matters: With 40% of candidates finding their most recent job through a staffing firm, it's clear that working with recruiters is one of the most effective hiring strategies. Career Group Companies specializes in sourcing, screening, and placing top-tier talent, saving hiring managers time and ensuring the right fit for their teams.

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The 2025 Job Seeker Experience Survey highlights how salary expectations, job security, flexibility, and company culture influence hiring trends. With many job seekers struggling in a competitive market, companies that offer competitive pay, streamlined hiring processes, and work-life balance will win the best talent.One key takeaway? Staffing firms play a crucial role in connecting employers with top candidates. With 40% of respondents landing their last job through a recruiter, partnering with Career Group Companies can help businesses quickly find and hire the best-fit talent for their teams.

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Looking to Make Your Next Great Hire? At Career Group Companies, we specialize in connecting top talent with leading companies across administrative, creative, fashion, events, and executive roles. Get in touch today to start your search.