At Bartech Staffing, we believe that exceptional staffing solutions start with a deep understanding of the people at the heart of the process−our candidates and contractors. That’s why we recently conducted a comprehensive survey of 550 engineers, technical, and professional talent to gain fresh insights into what matters most to today’s job seekers. This wasn’t just an exercise in data collection; it was a strategic initiative designed to enhance how we serve both our candidates and our clients.

 

Why We Conducted the Survey

The workforce is evolving rapidly. Economic shifts, technological advancements, and changing workplace expectations mean that candidate priorities today are vastly different from even a few years ago. To continue delivering talent solutions that drive results, we needed to hear directly from the source−our candidates.

Our goals were clear:

  • Understanding candidate priorities: What motivates them? What are their deal-breakers? What do they truly value in a job and an employer?
  • Improving the candidate experience: By identifying gaps in the recruitment process, we can create a more seamless, supportive journey for every candidate we engage with.
  • Strengthening client partnerships: The more we know about what candidates want, the better we can advise our clients on attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent.

 

How Understanding Candidates Helps Everyone

At Bartech, we’re not just filling jobs, we’re building careers and driving business success. When we understand our candidates better, we can:

  • Match them with the right opportunities, increasing job satisfaction, performance, and retention.
  • Advocate for their needs with our clients, ensuring workplace environments where they can thrive.
  • Advise our clients on current talent trends, helping them craft competitive offers and workplace cultures that attract top talent.

It’s a win-win: candidates feel heard and supported, and clients benefit from engaged, motivated employees.

 

Key Findings from the Survey

Our survey revealed several critical insights that are reshaping how we approach staffing:

Flexibility Is Non-Negotiable

45% of women and 25% of men identified flexible work arrangements as a top priority. Whether it’s remote work, hybrid models, or flexible hours, candidates are seeking roles that allow them to balance professional and personal responsibilities.

Career Growth Drives Engagement

50% of respondents ranked opportunities for professional development as a key factor in job satisfaction. Candidates aren’t just looking for a job, they’re looking for a path forward.

Communication Matters

One of the most common frustrations candidates shared was a lack of timely communication during the hiring process. 33% want faster response times and shorter hiring cycles, and 34% want more transparency and communication. Regular updates, even if there’s no new information, make candidates feel valued and respected.

Company Culture Isn’t Just a Buzzword

25% of candidates reported that a company’s culture and values significantly influence their decision to accept an offer. Candidates want to work for organizations where they feel a sense of belonging and alignment with their personal values.

Compensation Is Important - But Not Everything

While competitive pay remains a top factor, many candidates emphasized the importance of benefits, work-life balance, and meaningful work as equally influential in their decision-making process.

 

Turning Insights into Action

At Bartech Staffing, we don’t just gather data - we act on it. Here’s how these findings are shaping our approach:

  • Advising clients on the growing demand for flexibility and helping them design roles that attract top talent.
  • Enhancing communication throughout the recruitment process to keep candidates informed and engaged.
  • When available, promoting professional development opportunities for candidates and encouraging clients to invest in employee growth.
  • Focusing on cultural alignment to ensure lasting placements where both candidates and clients thrive.

 

The Bottom Line

Understanding what candidates want isn’t just good practice – it’s the foundation of great staffing. This survey is part of our ongoing commitment to put people first, ensuring that every candidate feels heard, valued, and supported. When we do that, we both fill roles, and we build lasting partnerships that drive success for both candidates and clients.

At Bartech Staffing, your voice matters. And we’re listening. Download the report today.