Survey Results: Employer Hiring Preferences

As the job market continues to evolve, employers are adjusting their hiring practices to navigate economic challenges and shifting candidate expectations. Our recent Employer Hiring Preference Survey, with responses from employers across various industries, provides a clearer understanding of current trends in hiring decisions and candidate preferences.

The survey drew responses from a wide range of industries, with Finance & Banking leading at 32%, followed by Information Technology (16%), Retail (16%), and Healthcare (8%). Notably, a significant portion of respondents—40%—came from companies with 11-50 employees, indicating that small to medium-sized businesses are active segments in the hiring ecosystem.

Economic Impact on Hiring Decisions

The survey results underscore that economic factors such as Labor Market Conditions (86.36%) and Company Revenue/Profitability (86.36%) are the most influential drivers behind hiring decisions. Surprisingly, inflation (36.36%) also ranked high, though interest rates (0%) did not register as a concern.

In the blog post, we discussed how fluctuating market conditions have pushed employers to reconsider their hiring needs. These survey findings further confirm that revenue uncertainty and labor market volatility are critical pain points, especially as businesses navigate inflationary pressures. As noted in the blog, employers are seeking ways to maintain flexibility, and this is reflected in the 59.09% of companies maintaining their current hiring pace despite these challenges.

Hiring Practices: A Need for Flexibility

One of the key takeaways from the survey is that hiring is largely done “as needed” (82.2%), with very few companies hiring on a strict monthly or quarterly schedule. This signals a shift toward more agile, responsive hiring models—an observation we also highlighted in our blog.

The preference for contract or temporary hires (4.55%) remains low, suggesting that most employers are still focused on permanent roles. However, for those facing economic uncertainties, a flexible approach to hiring—such as focusing on temporary workers or outsourcing recruitment—could offer a solution.

Top Candidate Qualifications: A Familiar Emphasis

It comes as no surprise that work experience (100%) and technical skills (72.73%) top the list of qualifications employers prioritize in candidates. These findings echo the sentiments from our blog post, where we noted that employers are placing increased emphasis on practical skills and relevant experience to bridge skill gaps and reduce training costs. Educational background (72.73%) also remains highly valued, particularly at the bachelor’s degree level (50%), though some employers are open to candidates with relevant work experience in place of formal education.

Employment Terms and Benefits: Full-Time, With Flexibility

Interestingly, despite economic pressures, a full 100% of employers indicated a preference for offering full-time employment, with part-time options also being popular (63.64%). Temporary or internship roles were much less favored. This suggests that while flexibility is needed, most employers still aim to bring on committed, full-time employees.

As for employee benefits, health insurance (77.27%), paid time off (72.73%), and performance bonuses (72.73%) are ranked as the most important. These results reinforce the points from our blog, which argued that employee retention strategies are now more vital than ever. Offering competitive benefits is one way employers can secure top talent and build long-term loyalty.

Survey Results by Industry Representation

Each industry presents its own unique challenges and hiring priorities, shaped by specific market conditions. The survey results illustrate how employers across industries are adapting to the realities of the modern job market. 

1. Finance & Banking (32%)

This sector has consistently been a major player in the hiring landscape, particularly as financial services expand and evolve in response to technological advancements and regulatory changes. The focus in Finance & Banking is often on attracting candidates with technical skills and work experience in areas such as compliance, risk management, and financial technology (FinTech). Given the global economic uncertainties, this industry is heavily influenced by labor market conditions and profitability, as financial firms adapt to shifting client demands and new regulatory frameworks.

2. Information Technology (16%)

The IT industry continues to be a dominant force in hiring, particularly as demand for digital transformation, cybersecurity, and cloud services grows. For companies in IT, the emphasis on technical skills is paramount, with roles often requiring specialized knowledge in programming, systems architecture, and emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. This sector faces intense competition for skilled talent, with many employers seeking innovative ways to retain top talent amid a shortage of qualified candidates.

3. Retail (16%)

The Retail sector has faced significant disruption in recent years, especially with the rise of e-commerce and changes in consumer behavior. For companies in retail, the focus on cultural fit and customer service skills is often a top priority, as the industry relies on delivering a seamless customer experience both in-store and online. Retailers are increasingly leveraging part-time and temporary hires to manage fluctuating demand, especially during peak shopping seasons, though many are also focusing on attracting permanent employees to support long-term growth.

4. Healthcare (8%)

Healthcare employers are grappling with staffing shortages, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. The industry places a heavy emphasis on certifications and work experience, especially for roles that require specialized medical knowledge and patient care expertise. Healthcare organizations are keen to attract candidates with the right mix of technical and soft skills, as interpersonal communication and teamwork are essential in high-pressure medical environments. Given the strain on resources, many healthcare providers are balancing full-time employment with an increased reliance on contract hires to address immediate needs.

5. Manufacturing (8%)

The Manufacturing industry, while smaller in representation in this survey, continues to face challenges related to labor market conditions and technological advancements. Companies in this sector are often looking for candidates with technical skills and hands-on experience in operating machinery, managing production lines, and ensuring quality control. In a rapidly modernizing industry, the push for automation has further shifted the types of skills employers seek, making technical expertise even more critical.

This finding resonates with our earlier blog post, which highlighted the importance of adaptability for companies of all sizes. As economic pressures mount, smaller organizations are more likely to adjust their hiring strategies to remain competitive, often facing the need to hire selectively while balancing budgets.

Key Takeaways

• Flexibility is key, both in terms of hiring practices and employment terms, but there is still a strong preference for full-time roles with comprehensive benefits.

• The labor market is in flux. Companies must adopt a proactive approach to hiring, focusing on both current economic realities and the shifting preferences of the modern workforce. By understanding these trends, employers can better position themselves to attract the right talent while navigating the ongoing changes in the job market.

Read related article: Employer Hiring Preferences in a Shifting Job Market