Today’s hiring landscape looks very different, especially from the candidate’s perspective. According to our latest research at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, job seekers describe the process with words no employer wants to hear: stressful, slow, unclear, and at times, even scammy. This is not only a reflection of poor experiences but also a warning sign for organizations competing for top talent.
Candidates are setting new priorities, and the message is clear: respect their time. For the first time, a smooth, easy application process has edged out compensation transparency as the top priority. Sixty-one percent of candidates say an efficient application is more important than knowing the starting salary (60%). When the application itself becomes a barrier, organizations risk losing strong applicants before the first conversation even begins.
Beyond the initial process, growth opportunities matter more than ever. Seventy-five percent of candidates want to see clear career paths and development options highlighted during the hiring process. This signals a shift as job seekers are evaluating employers not just for the job at hand, but for the trajectory ahead. Will the employer invest in my growth if they’re not willing to invest in how I value myself financially?
For employers, the solution lies in reframing the hiring journey:
- Streamline applications. Remove unnecessary steps, shorten forms, and respect the candidate’s time.
- Be transparent. Share compensation ranges, timelines, and expectations early to reduce uncertainty.
- Show the future. Highlight training, mobility, and growth opportunities as a core part of your pitch.
Hiring today is no longer about filling a role, but about building trust and signaling long-term value. Organizations that adopt a candidate-first perspective will not only attract top talent but also establish stronger, lasting relationships from the outset.
Click to download the full Candidate Perspective Infographic
George Rogers is the Chief Strategy Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory. He is an author, coach, and globally renowned keynote speaker acclaimed for delivering compelling insights on cultivating purpose-driven, profitable businesses. As a leader developing inclusive and motivating workplace environments, he consistently provides transformative perspectives and guidance to organizations worldwide. Over the past two decades, he has dedicated himself to inspiring leaders and transforming workplace cultures.
In his book Champion Your Purpose, we learn that finding purpose in life looks different for everyone, and very few will find the exact common purpose that aligns the exact same. He provides a step-by-step approach to help readers identify their purpose and align it with their personal and professional goals.
His research focuses on leadership and its impact on performance, engagement, culture, mental health, inclusion, and belonging. If you ask him what led him to the HR space, he will remind you that his passion and purpose are championing people.
With over 25 years of leadership and keynote speaking experience, he has inspired, empowered, and challenged every audience —virtually and in person —to discover their purpose in the workforce, learn how to Champion Your Purpose individually, and lead the life they love.
