HiTalent Question of the Week Q: Beyond flexible working, what are employers looking for in candidates in 2026- and what are candidates now asking employers?

HiTalent Question of the Week

Q: Beyond flexible working, what are employers looking for in candidates in 2026- and what are candidates now asking employers?

We also touched on what hiring managers can do to help create a good team culture.

The employment market continues to evolve, and we’re seeing some interesting shifts on both sides of the hiring table.

🔍 What employers are prioritising more than ever:

✅ Commitment and tenure
✅ Problem-solving and team work
✅ Degree qualifications with relevant memberships
✅ Reliability, accountability and resilience
✅ Values and cultural alignment

While technical skills remain important, many employers tell us they can teach systems and processes but attitude, curiosity and interpersonal skills are much harder to train.

💬 What candidates are asking about (besides flexibility):
⭐ Career progression and development opportunities
⭐ Company culture and leadership style
⭐ Wellbeing initiatives and mental health support
⭐ Purpose and impact of the organisation’s work
⭐ Training budgets and upskilling opportunities
⭐ Job security and organisational stability


Increasingly, candidates aren’t just asking “What will I be paid?”- they’re asking “What will I become if I join your organisation?”

What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed in hiring over the past few years?
Employers and candidates, we’d love to hear your perspective in the comments.

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