Beyond Compensation: What Today’s Candidates Truly Value

For as long as we can remember, a good salary was the top motivator for accepting a job offer.  

But, in today’s talent market, salary alone is no longer enough to attract top talent.  

While salary still matters, especially in the current economic state, top tier candidates are increasingly placing pressure on other aspects of the employment experience such as flexibility, culture, personal development, leadership, and long-term alignment with company values. 

Essentially, if the only thing you have to offer is a paycheque, you’re going to lose quality candidates to employers who are offering salary and purchase.

A high salary doesn't equate to high acceptance

Recruiters and hiring managers are seeing a trend evolve where candidates are walking away from high paying roles if the culture or growth potential doesn't align with their values or needs.  

• 40% would choose enhanced benefits over a direct pay increase (Willis Towers Watson Global Benefits Attitude Survey, 2023) 

• According to Lorien’s 2025 tech talent report, 35% of tech professionals rank career advancement as their top priority—higher than salary itself 

• 42% of millennials say learning and development is the most important factor when considering a new job, and 67% would leave if such opportunities were lacking (Bullitin.com)  

What today’s top talent really wants 

Based on our research on current market trends, here’s what top candidates are looking for in a job aside from the salary:  

Flexibility & Autonomy 

Candidates want the freedom to manage their work in a way that supports their life—whether that means remote options, or flexible hours. 

Learning & Career Growth 

Top performers are often growth oriented. If your company can’t demonstrate a commitment to internal mobility, mentorship, or learning opportunities, they’ll seek that support elsewhere. 

Strong Leadership & Transparency 

Candidates assess your leadership team just as closely as you assess them. Authenticity, visibility, and clarity from leadership can be a major selling point. 

A Culture That Supports Wellbeing 

Mental health support, realistic workloads, DEI initiatives, and psychological safety are no longer ‘nice-to-haves’. They’re expected. 

Purpose and Impact 

People want to do meaningful work. If your company can articulate why it exists and how an individual’s role contributes to that mission, it becomes far more attractive. If you want to attract and retain outstanding candidates, salary should be the baseline, not the headline.  

In today’s market, offering an excellent salary will interest candidates. But offering a clear path for growth, balance, and connection? That’s what gets them to say yes and stay.  

At Verelogic Recruitment, we focus on building strong relationships with our talent pool, learning about each individual and matching them with a role where they can truly thrive.   

Looking for your next IT or engineering hire? Reach out to our team: recruitment@verelogic.co.uk