Hiring in 2025: What today’s Top Talent really wants

The recruitment landscape is evolving fast and candidate expectations are clearer than ever. If you’re still relying on traditional attraction strategies, you may find that the best talent is slipping through the cracks.

So, what do today’s job seekers really want from employers? And how can organisations adapt their hiring practices to meet these expectations?

We work closely with candidates across the public sector, local authorities, and temporary contracts. Here’s what we’re hearing, and how it can help you attract and retain skilled professionals in 2025.

1. Flexible and Hybrid Working is now the norm

Gone are the days when flexible working was seen as a perk. For many professionals, it’s now non-negotiable. Candidates expect the option to work from home, manage their own schedules, or choose shifts that suit their personal lives. Especially in temporary and project-based roles.

Be upfront about flexible working options. Whether it’s hybrid, remote, or compressed hours, offering flexibility can dramatically increase your talent pool.

2. Work with Purpose and Values

Candidates want to work for organisations that stand for something. Especially within the public sector, job seekers are looking for roles where they can make a difference and align with meaningful values.

Highlight your organisation’s mission and values in your job adverts and careers pages. Show how the role contributes to the wider community or public good.

3. Clear Communication and Fast Hiring Processes

Speed and transparency are more important than ever. Candidates are often applying for multiple roles at once, and those with quick, streamlined processes are winning out. Radio silence, lengthy delays, or confusing application steps will cause candidates to lose interest.

Work with your recruitment partner to simplify the process. Set expectations, provide timely feedback, and make sure job descriptions are clear and engaging.

4. Competitive Pay and Perks - even for Temporary Roles

Temporary workers are looking for more than just a payslip. Weekly pay, training opportunities, wellbeing support, and the potential to go permanent are all high on the list of priorities.

Even if the contract is short-term, show candidates that you value them. List pay rates clearly, and don’t underestimate the power of small perks or added benefits.

5. Opportunities for Growth and Development

Today’s top talent is focused on progression, even in interim or temporary roles. Candidates want to build their skills, gain experience, and feel supported in their career journey.

Talk about training, mentorship, and progression routes where applicable. If you invest in your temporary workforce, they’ll invest in you.

Future-proof your Hiring Strategy

The expectations of today’s workforce are only becoming more defined and more demanding. But that’s not a bad thing. With the right adjustments, your organisation can stand out as an employer of choice in a competitive market.

Whether you’re hiring temporary staff for the short term or building a long-term team, aligning your offer with what candidates actually want will help you attract the right people and keep them.