15 Things Job Seekers Are Looking For (And Where And How To Find Them)
Today's job seekers are prioritizing more than just a salary. They're also looking at factors such as flexibility, meaningful work and a strong company culture. To find jobs that are more aligned with what they're looking for, many candidates are exploring unconventional channels and arrangements, from working for startups to exploring advisory or consulting positions.
Here, 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council explore what modern job seekers are looking for, along with unexpected places they're finding it. Read on to learn about the most important elements of work life today's candidates are seeking and some surprising ways they are discovering their next big opportunities.
About nine out of 10 job seekers I work with are looking for remote work. They rely on traditional job postings and remote job boards to indicate if a role is remote, hybrid or in-person. Something we have found in recent months is that companies may be open to adjusting the work's location during salary negotiations. If they aren't willing to budge on salary, they might be willing to propose a flexible arrangement during that talk. - Don Pippin, area|Talent
Today's job seekers want growth and impact, not just a paycheck. They look for places where they can develop skills, take on challenges and see real progress. Surprisingly, they might find this not just in big companies, but also in startups, remote teams, online communities or entrepreneurship, where they can wear multiple hats, solve real problems and grow faster than in a traditional role. - Dr. Aman Alzubier, dramanalzubier.com
Many job seekers prioritize financial stability, often landing in industries unrelated to their skills or education. Surprisingly, this can lead to lucrative careers they never initially considered. The need to adapt opens doors to unexpected opportunities, proving that success isn't always found on a planned path—it's often discovered in new, unforeseen directions. - Dr. Marita Kinney, BCC, Msc.D, Pure Thoughts Publishing and Wellness
As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, I go with the numbers, and right now, they show that employees are looking for leaders who inspire hope. Hope doesn't have to come from leadership or work—it can also come from having something to strive for outside of work like a hobby, volunteering or self-directed learning. - Kelly Stine, The Leading Light Coach
Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
Job seekers crave flexibility and purpose. But here's the twist: They are finding it in startups and fractional roles, not just big corporations. Many are ditching traditional 9-to-5 jobs for project-based work or advisory roles, giving them control over their careers while making a real impact. The best opportunities are often hidden in niche industry Slack groups or LinkedIn direct messages. - Anastasia Paruntseva, Visionary Partners Ltd.
Job seekers today crave autonomy with purpose: the ability to make an impact while having flexibility in how they work. Surprisingly, they might find this not in flashy startups, but in skilled trades and legacy industries that are reinventing themselves. For my client in construction, they are embracing AI-enabled building processes that offer off-site monitoring with elevated safety outcomes. - Thomas Lim, Centre for Systems Leadership (SIM Academy)
Job seekers today crave real influence, not just a title. Surprisingly, they might find it outside traditional career paths—in advisory roles within startups, for example, or in niche expert communities. These spaces let them shape strategy, test bold ideas and build high-level networks faster than climbing a corporate hierarchy. The smartest hires aren't waiting for authority—they're creating it. - Alla Adam, Adam Impact Institute
Job seekers often chase roles that match their expected skills and backgrounds, but the real edge comes from unexpected crossover skills. For example, companies hiring data analysts might overlook journalists—yet their investigative mindset, pattern recognition and storytelling abilities make them exceptional at translating complex data into actionable insights. - Stephan Lendi, Newbury Media & Communications GmbH
Job seekers look for variety, to grow quickly and to be in charge sooner. However, they might overlook leadership opportunities where they are. I would suggest deepening and broadening from where you stand—you will find fulfillment that meets your needs. It's not always on the other side of the fence or higher up. - Arthi Rabikrisson, Prerna Advisory
Job seekers today crave meaning, mastery and immersion. Entrepreneurs are finding the unexpected in chaos—high-stakes startups, underground art scenes and even adventure tourism. Those who embrace moonshot thinking—tackling problems 10 times bigger instead of 10% better—aren't just building careers, they're reshaping industries. Uncertainty isn't the enemy; it's the launchpad. - Adam Levine, InnerXLab
Many job seekers today—especially those early in their careers—are craving clarity and boundaries. They want defined roles, authority and expectations—not because they lack ambition, but because they want space to prioritize life beyond work. Surprisingly, they often find this not in purpose-driven startups, but in organizations with strong operations, clean management and leaders who respect time and talent. - Ashley B. Stewart, The Corvian Group
One of the biggest things job seekers tell my firm they want is flexibility. Usually this is hybrid or remote work, but it can sometimes include flexibility over their hours and autonomy about how they approach their work. With many organizations pushing 'return to work' initiatives, job seekers should consider alternate career paths like consulting or working for smaller, more flexible organizations. - Lindsey Zajac, Ascendant
Job seekers are looking for opportunities that value their professional and life experience, especially if they have spent several years out of the workforce. They yearn to have all aspects of their life appreciated by potential employers. Mid- to late-career professionals amass knowledge from an array of life events. Insight gained from volunteer positions, for example, is often more valuable than that gathered from paid ones. - Kathryn Lancioni, Presenting Perfection
Job seekers crave growth potential above all else—but it's not found where they're looking. Skip the corporate-ladder promises and search for rapid-cycle feedback loops instead. The steepest growth curves hide in organizations where your work gets tested, refined and deployed at uncommon speed. - Nirmal Chhabria
There are several aspects a job seeker needs to fulfill, so I first have them write down their ideal job description and ideal culture. This is the map for their search and creates questions for them to present in an interview. Most want to be appreciated for their work and recognized for bringing value, and they need a challenge. What they do not want is a culture where playing politics is front and center. - Melinda Fouts, Ph.D., Success Starts With You
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