At JMA, we’re privileged to engage with thousands of candidates each year across the globe. Here are the key trends we’ve seen shape candidates' career decisions this quarter:
1. Risk-Reward
-
-
Against an uncertain economic backdrop in many geographies, candidates are digging deeper than before into a company’s financials and the likelihood of it fulfilling its growth narrative.
-
-
-
Financial resilience and stock performance are under sharper scrutiny than ever, with candidates weighing up the risk-reward ratio of making a move.
-
2. Should I Stay or Should I Go?
-
-
Tightening borders and more restrictive immigration policies are limiting mobility, which is reducing the available talent pool.
-
-
-
Rising costs of living and higher tax burdens make certain geographies less appealing – particularly for candidates with families.
-
3. Employer Stability
-
-
Employer stability and concrete roles remain a top priority.
-
-
-
Even in a quieter jobs market, other than for the strongest brands, outreach for speculative roles is of limited appeal.
-
4. Social & Political Stances Scrutinised
-
-
In today’s polarised world, candidates are seeing alignment between a company’s values and their own as critical.
-
-
-
Trust is built when a company’s values and actions match – and eroded when there’s a gap between words and reality.
-
5. Representation Matters
-
-
Despite some companies rolling back on historic diversity, equity and inclusion commitments, candidates – especially females and those from underrepresented groups – continue to look for visible representation in leadership and interview panels.
-
-
-
The ability to do this strengthens a company’s ability to attract diverse talent; if it can’t, it can undermine even the most compelling company / role.
-