When deciding on a job offer, employees still place the greatest weight on pay and job security, according to a new survey of U.S executives.
More than a quarter – 27 per cent – of chief financial officers believe salary is the biggest consideration for prospective new hires, with 24 percent suggesting it is company stability.
The poll by recruitment firm Robert Half Finance & Accounting questioned more than 1,400 CFOs from a stratified random sample of U.S. companies with 20 or more employees.
CFOs were asked: "In your opinion, which one of the following is the most important consideration for job candidates today when evaluating employment offers?"
After salary and stability, work environment/corporate culture was cited by 22 per cent, followed by career advancement opportunities (17 per cent) and equity incentives or stock options (4 per cent).
"Businesses that have a successful track record and offer competitive compensation are at an advantage during the hiring process," said Max Messmer, chairman and chief executive of Robert Half International.
"Employers should emphasise all the factors that distinguish their firms, such as exceptional pay and benefits, a history of stability and growth, and a supportive corporate culture," he added.
Messmer noted that small, emerging companies that could not afford to pay premium salaries often highlighted other qualities, including the strength of their leadership team.
"The best candidates tend to base at least part of their employment decisions on how much they can learn on the job," he said.
"During the recruiting process, hiring managers are selling potential employees as much on their own experience and management style as on the other features that make the firm a great place to work," he concluded.