What A/E/C Candidates Actually Want From Employers in Today’s Market
Architecture, engineering, and construction firms are facing a familiar challenge with new urgency: attracting and retaining top talent. In a market where candidates have options, firms that understand what professionals truly want will be in the best position to hire and keep high performers.
While salary and benefits still matter, today’s A/E/C candidates are weighing much more than a paycheck when deciding where to work. From work-life balance to purpose-driven culture, priorities have shifted and employers need to adapt.
The Shift in Candidate Expectations
The labor market across A/E/C disciplines has changed significantly in recent years. Experienced professionals are in demand and that demand is reshaping what candidates expect during the hiring process and once they’re on board.
At Vertex People Solutions, we speak with candidates every day. Here’s what we consistently hear they value most:
1. Meaningful Work and Project Impact
Candidates want to be part of projects that matter. Whether it is shaping a skyline or improving infrastructure, professionals are looking for roles where their contributions are visible and valued. Highlighting the real-world impact of your work can help attract candidates who want to build something bigger than themselves.
2. A Healthy and Flexible Work Environment
Work-life balance is no longer a nice-to-have. It is a key decision factor. While construction schedules and deadlines may require in-person coordination, candidates still want flexibility when possible. That could mean remote work for design teams, hybrid schedules, or simply respecting personal time outside work hours.
Firms that promote balance and support well-being are more likely to retain their top performers.
3. Career Growth and Skills Development
A/E/C professionals are looking for more than a job. They want a career path. Opportunities for training, mentorship, and advancement are often cited as top reasons candidates accept offers or stay with an employer.
Investing in employee development shows that your firm values long-term contributions. It also helps create a stronger, more capable team.
4. Strong Company Culture and Leadership
Culture matters. Candidates are drawn to firms with positive, collaborative environments and leadership that communicates transparently. Toxic or unclear cultures are one of the most common reasons candidates choose not to move forward with an opportunity.
Be prepared to demonstrate your culture during the hiring process. Share what makes your workplace different, how your teams collaborate, and how leadership supports professional and personal growth.
5. Competitive Compensation and Benefits
While culture and growth matter more than ever, compensation still plays a major role in attracting top talent. Today’s candidates expect offers to reflect not only their experience but also the increasing cost of living and market demand.
Firms that are transparent about salary ranges, performance bonuses, and total compensation packages earn more trust during the hiring process.
How Employers Can Stand Out
To attract and retain top A/E/C talent, employers must do more than offer a job. They need to present a compelling employee experience. That means:
Crafting job postings that speak to values, not just responsibilities.
Making the interview process respectful, timely, and transparent.
Offering flexibility where possible, without compromising project delivery.
Following through on promises made during recruitment.
Candidates are paying attention to how they are treated long before day one. Your hiring process is your first impression and a powerful reflection of your firm’s values.
Final Thoughts
The A/E/C job market is competitive and the best candidates are making thoughtful decisions about where they work. Firms that understand and respond to evolving candidate expectations will have a clear advantage.
At Vertex People Solutions, we help firms align their recruiting strategies with what today’s candidates are actually looking for. From sourcing top talent to refining your hiring process, we ensure your firm is positioned to stand out for all the right reasons.
Ready to attract the right candidates? Let’s talk.