- 2 min to read
- 24 September 2025
What Candidates Really Want (Hint: It’s Not Just About the Paycheck)
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).
Stay Competitive – Subscribe Today!
Top talent won’t wait, and neither should you. Subscribe to our newsletter for insider insights and strategies to ensure you’re always a step ahead in the race for the best candidates.
Trusted by Forward-Thinking Leaders
“There is no other firm that has taken their own time to invest in learning needs and marketing industry”
— Andrew Gross | VP of Sales, Xtye
“For an employer whos looking to fit an existing role you can’t go wrong by hiring Chris”
— Eric Spadafora | Senior Vice President of Sales, GXO Logistics
“It had been nothing but a positive experience for me any my team”
— Brian Miller | National Project Manager, ADVG
Connect with Us
Popular Reads
Questions about identifying talent in your industry?
Whether you’re trying to figure out who to hire, when to hire, cleaning up the nasty effects of a mishire, or have a question about how we work, get in touch and let’s dig into the details together.
We want to understand your goals.
Join our newsletter & stay updated.
If you found this information helpful, sign up for our newsletter for more key insights and to join our community.
Get the latest content in your inbox. We don’t spam.
Similar articles