Hiring in higher education is competitive and fast-moving. It is also increasingly shaped by what candidates expect from employers. Throughout 2025, we’ve been surveying professionals who are actively pursuing new roles in higher ed. With insights from 169 respondents so far, this updated data reflects the latest candidate perspectives. It reveals what draws them in, what causes them to disengage, and what they look for in a hiring process.
Here are five truths to help you adjust your strategy and attract stronger candidates.
1. Salary Transparency Drives Action
More than 83% of respondents say they are unlikely or very unlikely to apply for a job that does not include a salary range.
Failing to share pay information isn’t just a missed opportunity. It reduces trust and deters qualified applicants before the process begins. Transparency signals fairness and professionalism, both of which are essential to competitive hiring.
2. Growth Opportunities Are the Biggest Draw
Nearly 67% of candidates say career growth is the top reason they are exploring new roles.
This is about more than climbing a ladder. Candidates are looking for roles that challenge them, expand their skills, and offer long-term development. If your job post doesn’t highlight a path forward, it will be overlooked.
3. Candidates Lose Interest Quickly
Almost 65% of respondents say they start to lose interest if they wait more than three weeks without hearing back after an interview.
Silence is not neutral. It tells candidates they are not a priority. Even a brief update or timeline can preserve interest and reduce the risk of losing top contenders to faster-moving organizations.
4. Detailed Job Descriptions Make a Difference
More than 52% of candidates say that clear responsibilities and expectations are the most helpful elements in a job post.
Vague descriptions leave too much to interpretation. Candidates want to know what success looks like, who they will work with, and how their contributions will be measured. Clarity invites confidence.
5. Pay and Culture Top the Priority List
When asked to name the most important factors in choosing a new employer, candidates chose competitive pay, career growth, and a positive company culture as their top three.
These are not perks. They are expectations. If your process, language, or compensation model does not align with these values, candidates will look elsewhere.
The Takeaway
Today’s candidates are decisive, values-driven, and deeply aware of their options. When hiring slows down or feels misaligned with what candidates want, the strongest talent moves on quickly.
If your team is preparing to launch a search, these insights can help you do it with more focus, more confidence, and better results.
Let us know if you want support turning these insights into action. We are ready when you are.
