During the job search process, numerous factors can raise red flags and drive away talent, with the biggest “ick” being jobs that offer minimal annual leave, according to a survey from StandOut CV.
About two-thirds of survey respondents also said they were turned off by feeling pressure to engage with a company’s social media content, as well as omission of salary details.
Beyond that, the most off-putting phrases in job ads or interviews were “winner’s mindset,” “hustle,” and “work hard, play hard.”
More than half of survey respondents also said they’d be less inclined to apply for a role if a company’s board lacks diversity, the company culture says they’re “like a family,” or job seekers receive an email from recruiters outside of normal working hours.
On the other hand, survey respondents noted what they’d like to see in a job ad, with qualification requirements being the most sought-after information. After that, job seekers said they want to know about work hours, benefits and job titles.
As more states enact pay transparency laws, half of job posts now include salary details, according to a September 2023 report from Indeed. However, candidates have voiced frustration with overly broad pay ranges.
Although pay transparency is increasing, the momentum is slowing, according to another Indeed report from September 2024. As the labor market has cooled, competition for workers has eased and employers may feel less urgency around stating pay information to attract candidates, an Indeed economist said.
Workers have also expressed interest in a new sense of ambition, prioritizing work-life balance and belonging over climbing the corporate ladder. Instead, they’re more likely to look for job ads that mention schedule flexibility, mental health support and upskilling opportunities.