---
title: Candidate Polls and Insights
description: We've compiled insights from employers and hiring teams on LinkedIn to help educate job seekers on topics including standing out in an interview.
image: https://resources.sparksgroupinc.com/hubfs/jud-mackrill-Of_m3hMsoAA-unsplash%20%281%29-1.jpg
---

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# # Candidate Polls and Insights

## What do you look for in an employer?

Compensation

 30%

Work-Life Balance

 53%

Skill/Career Growth

 13%

Job Security

 4%

#### company-culture

One question that a company must always be asking is: “Why should the best candidates choose to join our organization?” In a labor-driven market, qualified job-seekers hold many of the cards, because demand for skilled work outweighs the available supply. 

READ MORE +

### Spark Group Insights

As our poll results show, employers and candidates are more determined than ever to keep their job and personal life separate. Salary and benefits will always be a key aspect of the Employee Value Proposition (EVP), but employers must recognize that if they want to keep their best people, flexibility and independence are essential.

## What aspect of work-life balance do you desire most?

Flexible Work Hours

 27%

Boundary Setting

 10%

Remote Work Options

 57%

Encouraged PTO

 6%

#### benefits

A previous poll asking candidates what they look for in an employer indicated a majority preferred having a work-life balance, so we wanted to find out what that balance means to today’s workforce. The global standard is in flux -  
organizations across industries are seeing employees leave for more flexible opportunities, but what is the secret sauce?

READ MORE +

### Spark Group Insights

The results of our poll demonstrate a significant trend: hybrid/remote work. A major side-effect of the Covid-19 pandemic is the global advancement of telework technology, which is becoming readily available to companies in every  
industry. More and more job-seekers are finding that a flexible schedule and the ability to work from home, at least part of the week, could be a worthwhile trade-off for slightly lower wages and/or benefits.

## What activities do you prefer to get to know your coworkers better?

After-work happy hours

 21%

Chatting over lunch/coffee

 40%

Company parties/events

 21%

I do not socialize at work

 18%

#### company-culture

As companies return to the office, many are revamping their entire approach to organizational culture, and we wanted to know how today's employees feel most comfortable getting to know their coworkers.

You may not be surprised to find out that, if our poll-takers can be believed, happy hours and water-cooler chit-chat aren't going anywhere.

READ MORE +

### Spark Group Insights

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, we've all learned to re-evaluate our socializing habits and preferences. Now that the US is joining the rest of the world back in the office, returning employees may notice increased influence over the daily culture and activities in the office.

However, it's also important to keep the other 18% in mind. If you find it more difficult to engage or get to know some of your coworkers, keep in mind that some (nearly 1 in 5) prefer only to work while at work.

## Interviews can come in several formats. Which one do you feel is the most challenging as a job-seeker?

Video Interview

 21%

Panel Interview

 45%

Meal Interview

 19%

Behavioral Interview

 15%

#### hiring

No matter the skillset or industry, everyone has their personal preferences and phobias when it comes to interviews. This poll sought to identify which of the interview formats our followers found more intimidating or intense - and we learned that more than anything, candidates would prefer a 1-on-1 conversation to juggling questions from multiple interviewers at once. 

READ MORE +

### Spark Group Insights

In general, hob-seekers will find that the first interview with any company tends to be more casual and conversational - checking personality fit, professionalism, and communication skills. As a candidate gets further along in the hiring process, they're more likely to encounter panel-style or video-required interviews where they may prove their subject knowledge

#### Browse by Category

- all
- company-culture
- hiring
- retention

 

### Subscribe to our polls!

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