Lorien’s recent ‘What Tech Candidates Want 2025’ report reveals a significant shift in the competitive job market: salary is no longer the sole deciding factor for candidates considering a career move. While fair compensation remains important, career growth has emerged as the leading motivator for tech professionals. In fact, 35% of candidates identified career advancement as their top priority when evaluating new roles - surpassing salary expectations.

Employers who fail to recognise this shift risk losing top talent to competitors offering not just better pay, but clearer opportunities for professional development. Here’s why career growth is taking centre stage and how your organisation can respond.

The Shift in Candidate Priorities

It’s no secret that tech professionals are in high demand, especially in fields like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. But with 63% of permanent tech candidates planning to seek new roles in the next six months, businesses need to go beyond offering competitive pay.

So, why the change?

  • Skill Development is Key: 24% of candidates want to leave their current roles to learn new skills. In a rapidly evolving sector like technology, continuous learning is essential for staying relevant. 
  • Limited Career Progression: 16% cite lack of career growth as the main reason for seeking new opportunities. If employees can’t see a clear path forward, they’ll look elsewhere.
  • Long-Term Stability Over Short-Term Gains: While 18% of candidates still prioritise salary, the majority seek roles offering a future-proof career.

How Employers Can Respond

To attract and retain top tech talent, employers must build a value proposition centred on career growth. Offering clear career pathways that show employees how they can achieve their goals is essential. Here’s how you can do that:

  • Develop and Communicate Transparent Career Progression Frameworks: Ensure employees understand the opportunities available to them and the steps required to progress. 
  • Provide Regular Promotions and Internal Mobility Opportunities: Encourage employees to explore different career paths within your organisation.
  • Offer Mentorship Programmes: Connect employees with mentors who can offer guidance, share experiences, and support career development.
  • Celebrate Success Stories: Showcase internal career growth examples to inspire and motivate your workforce. 

Invest in Continuous Learning and Development

A commitment to continuous learning will keep your employees engaged and equipped with the latest skills. Consider the following initiatives:

-          Provide access to certifications, workshops, and training programmes.

-          Offer in-house training and access to online learning platforms.

-          Support further education, whether through tuition assistance or flexible learning schedules.

-          Encourage cross-functional projects that broaden skillsets and foster collaboration.

Enable Internal Mobility and Stretch Assignments

Tech professionals value opportunities to expand their skillsets and grow their leadership potential. Providing stretch assignments and encouraging employees to rotate between teams or departments can significantly impact career progression. This not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens your organisation's internal talent pool.

Managers play a critical role in career development. Equip them to:

-          Have meaningful career development discussions.

-          Conduct regular check-ins to assess employee goals and progress.

-          Recognise and reward progress, even when it involves lateral moves to build new skills.

Career growth doesn’t always mean climbing the corporate ladder — expanding skillsets through diverse experiences is equally valuable.

The Competitive Edge: Why This Matters in 2025

With 35% of candidates dropping out of hiring processes due to slow decision-making and unclear career paths, businesses must act quickly. Employers offering growth-focused career pathways will:

-          Attract high-calibre candidates seeking long-term opportunities.

-          Retain skilled employees who feel valued and invested in.

-          Enhance their employer brand, positioning themselves as career accelerators.

In a market where candidates hold the power, career growth is your most valuable recruitment tool.

Contact us today to discover how we can support your hiring goals in 2025 and beyond.