The 5 Priorities for American Job Seekers in 2025
In 2025, the U.S. job market is evolving rapidly. While competitive pay still matters, American job seekers are weighing a broader set of priorities when deciding where to work. For employers across technical sectors—from Aerospace & Aviation to Engineering & Manufacturing—understanding these shifting expectations is essential for attracting and retaining the best people.
Here are the five most important priorities for American job seekers in 2025, and what they mean for employers.
1. Compensation & Financial Stability
Salary and benefits remain a cornerstone of job satisfaction. According to LinkedIn, 63% of U.S. candidates list compensation and benefits among their top priorities. However, research from Aerotek shows that pay as the primary motivator has dropped—from 42% in late 2024 to just 28% in early 2025—while job security is now climbing in importance.
For employers, this means going beyond headline salaries. Offering competitive pay alongside clear, long-term career prospects, performance-linked incentives, and robust benefits packages will help secure loyalty in a market where stability matters more than ever.
2. Work–Life Balance & Flexibility
Flexibility has moved from a “nice-to-have” to an expectation. A report in The Times of India found 83% of workers now value work–life balance more than salary. Hybrid and remote work models are increasingly standard, and candidates expect employers to accommodate different working styles.
Technical industries, where deadlines and project cycles can be intense, stand to gain from flexible scheduling, remote opportunities, and wellbeing-focused workload management. These measures can improve retention while enhancing productivity.
3. Company Values, Transparency & Inclusion
Modern candidates want to work for companies whose values reflect their own. LinkedIn data shows that values alignment and inclusive workplaces are the fastest-growing job seeker priorities in the U.S., increasing by 4.3% and 9.8% quarter-on-quarter.
Employers who are transparent about pay, hiring processes, and decision-making—while actively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion—are better positioned to win top talent. For technical sectors, showcasing ethical practices and sustainability commitments can be a major differentiator.
4. Growth, Upskilling & Career Development
Opportunities for development are top of mind. Gallup reports 71% of workers say training increases job satisfaction, and 61% cite it as a main reason to stay with an employer. Yet, many American workers say their most recent employer offered little to no skill development.
In industries facing skills shortages, from renewable energy to advanced manufacturing, offering clear progression paths, mentorship programmes, and access to certifications can make your organisation stand out. The World Economic Forum highlights analytical thinking, resilience, creative thinking, motivation, and self-awareness as critical skills for the future. Employers who nurture these will attract ambitious candidates.
5. Mental Well-Being & a Human-Centred Hiring Experience
Burnout is reshaping career decisions. According to New York Post data, 73% of Gen Z and 70% of millennials are considering job changes, with mental fatigue a major driver. Candidates are increasingly choosing employers who provide mental health resources, respect personal time, and maintain open, human communication during recruitment.
Ghosting and impersonal hiring processes can harm the employer brand. Instead, offering timely feedback, maintaining transparency, and showing genuine respect for candidates can create lasting positive impressions—even for those not selected.
What This Means for U.S. Employers
For American employers, especially in technical industries, the message is clear:
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Balance competitive pay with long-term stability
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Offer flexibility as standard
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Live your values and champion inclusion
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Invest in skills and career development
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Prioritise well-being and respectful recruitment
At VHR, we work with employers across the U.S. and globally to meet these expectations, helping businesses secure the skilled technical professionals they need while supporting candidates in finding careers that align with their goals.
