It’s been a few days since posting the job ad, and you still don’t see any applications. What could be the problem? A sudden lack of labour market availability? The Olinio recruitment team knows that this is not the problem. There are many qualified candidates. Your job ad simply does not follow job market trends in 2025, especially including the right kind of benefits.
“But we offer a good salary!” Possibly, but this is not what candidates are looking for, especially Millennials and Gen Z. They are interested in other benefits – many of them non-monetary.
Attracting Top Talent with the Right Mix of Benefits
A recent study found a deep disconnect between what candidates want and what companies include in the job ad structure. While many companies prioritise the salary and other monetary benefits, such as:
- Flexible working hours
- Learning, training and skills development
- Mental health support.
Among the monetary benefits that companies should add for job posting optimisation, the most important are:
- Sick pay above statutory requirements
- Health insurance
- Life insurance.
How Important Is a Great Job Ad Structure for Finding the Best Fit?
Speaking of job market trends in 2025, many experienced candidates are ready to change their workplace. However, they will not accept a new job offer if they do not feel a clear connection between their expectations and what companies are prepared to offer.
As we already stated, it is not about the money. As many as 66% of candidates would skip a pay rise or a higher salary if they could benefit from flexible working hours.
Job Market Trends in 2025: Offer the Right Benefits and Demand the Right Skills
So, let us focus now on how to write a job description that attracts candidates’ attention and encourages them to apply. Here is Olinio’s top advice:
1. Focus on Values-Based Hiring
Young professionals want their work to be meaningful and fulfilling. Thus, they are looking for companies that share their values, from environmental awareness to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Companies that include their culture in the job posting strategy are, thus, more successful in attracting and retaining talent. They build thriving teams and enjoy great employee loyalty.
2. Review and Update Job Benefits
Let us now address the elephant in the room: the disconnect between what candidates want and what companies offer. Do not put all monetary resources into the salary. Instead, create a diversified benefits package that includes health insurance, extra paid sick days and upskilling opportunities.
When you draw the line, you may find that you are spending less per employee if you offer these benefits, compared to a high salary.
3. Use the Latest Job Posting Best Practices
One of the biggest job market trends in 2025 is writing an easily scannable job ad. Candidates looking for a new job browse dozens – even hundreds – of listings each day. They need to be able to understand the key job requirements and benefits at a glance.
When they see a big block of text, without bullet points and white space, they will swipe up without stopping to read. So, remove all fluff and any information that can be shared during the initial interview. Focus on the basics, and make them stand out clearly.
4. Use an Inclusive Language
Job posting optimization also involves removing exclusionary language. The problem is that many companies are not even aware that they are using it. Some examples of such language include:
- Using gender defining pronouns “he” or “she” – replace them with “you”
- Asking for native English speakers, when this is not strictly needed in the job role
- Using age-defining words, such as: senior, energetic, youthful, work hard play hard, and mature
- Using ableist language: walk instead of move, talk instead of communicate, travel instead of drive.
This kind of language may deter talented candidates from applying, simply because they perceive a bias against their specific characteristics.
Do you want to discover the easiest way of making sure that you follow the latest job market trends in 2025? Let Olinio help you prepare and post your job ads, and conduct interviews on your behalf. Reach out to us today to get the best candidates for your job opening!