It is clearly a jobseeker’s market. As organizations scramble to find top talent at all levels—in some cases, anyone willing to show up—candidates can be choosier about where and how and when they want to share their time and talent. For a long time, the hiring process was driven by employers focused on what candidates could do for them. “Why do you want to work for us?’  has shifted into "Why should I work for you?"

Designations such as Top Employer are a great way to let our people and prospective candidates know we are listening, paying attention, and creating an environment where they can thrive along with the business. We’re delivering on all aspects of the career experience—from organizational strategy and employer brand to employee experience and culture. It’s an acknowledgement from the HR and talent industry that we’re focused on the right things. We are thrilled to be named a Top Employer for 11 years in a row.

Doing the right things and doing them well is a great start to attracting and retaining top talent—and it used to be enough. But with discerning candidates looking at a range of opportunities, having the right chemistry is becoming essential.

So, what are potential candidates looking for in an employer? Some elements are the same as they have always been—a company that will provide interesting, challenging work within an organisation and amongst people who share similar values, and one that supports their personal growth and career development. (Paying well and reliably doesn’t hurt either).

Candidates are adding to their list of requirements active support for their individual success and development. Not just professional development, but also personal growth, which comes in through things like health benefits, flexible schedules, and support for employees going through challenging situations outside work.

Many of today’s potential employees care not only about their personal experience, but about an organization’s commitment to diverse and underrepresented groups. For Avanade, this has become increasingly important in how we approach our employee experience. We have found that having a strong and appealing employee value proposition and living it day-to-day keeps us focused on the right things.

Just as candidates are looking for signs that an organization cares for them and their colleagues with different life experiences and perspectives, more and more are looking for employers to demonstrate care for broader communities. Concern for the environment or greater awareness over climate change are important checkpoints for candidates who are looking for employers who do business in a sustainable and responsible way.

For employers who still view the people as resources more than as humans, these broadening criteria could look like a list of demands. We see them as reminders that doing good and doing well are not incompatible. We appreciate our people—and candidates—challenging us to be not just a decent employer, but a force for good in the world. This is our goal, and we are always looking for people who want to join us for that journey.