What Candidates Really Want (Hint: It’s Not Just About the Paycheck)

What Candidates Really Want (Hint: It’s Not Just About the Paycheck)
Chris Edwards

You’ve got competitive pay. You’ve got solid benefits.
But here’s the truth: that’s just the ticket to the game, not what wins you the talent.

When candidates sit across from you (or Zoom in), they’re silently asking questions that rarely make it into the job description:

  • What’s it really like to work here, beyond the highlight reel?
  • Do leaders coach or just expect people to “figure it out”?
  • What happens when someone makes a mistake: coaching or punishment?
  • Does this team truly collaborate, or is it a daily turf war?

And here’s the kicker: 76% of candidates care more about culture than pay (see page 2 of our guide). That means the conversations you’re having about your opportunity could be hitting or missing the mark without you even knowing it.

Most companies sell “career progression” and “great culture,” but candidates are calling BS when the day-to-day reality doesn’t match the pitch. The ones who figure out how to tell the real story? They’re the ones landing (and keeping) top talent.

👉 This is just the preview.
The full breakdown is in our latest guide: What Candidates Really Care About (Beyond Pay & Perks).

Read more about what motivates top talent in You Could Be Losing Talent to These 3 Issues.

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CEC is a talent strategy consultant helping growing companies design competitive, values-aligned hiring frameworks that attract top talent. With 10+ years of experience, CEC has worked with fast-growing startups and established teams alike.

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