The job hunt has never looked more like a consumer buying journey. That’s the main takeaway from HireClix’s newly released 2025 Candidate Experience (CX) Survey, which tracks how Americans search, evaluate, and decide on career moves in a rapidly evolving labor market.
With job seekers acting more like discerning customers than passive applicants, employers are under pressure to sharpen their value proposition, refine digital touchpoints, and match the expectations of an increasingly research-driven workforce.
Where the Hunt Begins
The top channels candidates turn to won’t surprise recruiters but the shifts are notable. Indeed (56%) still leads, but LinkedIn (52%) has surged from 40% just two years ago. Google (41%) and corporate career sites (40%) follow closely—career sites in particular have climbed a striking 42% since 2023, now ranking among the most trusted resources.
The trend reflects a more intentional job search: candidates are weighing companies carefully before hitting apply.
Social Proof Rules
Employers’ reputations are now shaped as much by social media and reviews as by official job ads.
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57% of job seekers say reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed influence their decision to apply.
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More than half of Gen Z and Millennials check a company’s social channels to ensure cultural alignment.
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Social platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok all posted double-digit growth in job ad engagement.
LinkedIn remains a research powerhouse across generations, with Millennials (59%) and Gen X (55%) leading the way, but even Boomers (46%) and Gen Z (41%) are relying on it.
Desktop Makes a Comeback
After years of “mobile-first” recruiting strategies, candidates are flipping back to computers. 65% now prefer desktop for applications, including 75% of Gen Z and 77% of Millennials—a reversal suggesting job seekers want a more deliberate, research-heavy process.
Application abandonment is also easing, down to 43% from 51% in 2023 among Millennials, hinting at improved application flows—or simply more committed applicants.
AI in the Mix
AI hasn’t completely taken over the job hunt, but it’s creeping in. Gen Z and Millennials are using tools like ChatGPT to help write resumes, analyze job descriptions, and identify opportunities. Still, 54% of candidates don’t use AI at all in their search, suggesting a split between early adopters and the AI-cautious majority.
What Keeps—or Loses—Talent
Retention looks shaky. 38% of employees plan to leave their employer this year, up from 27% in 2024. High-risk groups include:
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Gen Z (54%)
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Women (41%)
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Workers earning under $100K (50%)
Why are they leaving? Enjoyment of the job is still the top factor, though it’s dropped to 44% (from 60%). Insufficient raises (36%) and poor work-life balance (32%) follow closely.
Interestingly, return-to-office (RTO) isn’t the deal-breaker it once was. Preferences now vary by age and job type, suggesting employers can craft flexible but role-specific policies.
Those who stay cite enjoyment (78%), competitive pay (45%), and balance (46%) as the key hooks.
Culture as a Deciding Factor
“Candidates want organizations with clearly articulated values,” said Neil Costa, CEO and Founder of HireClix. “Those that align their EVP across social content, job ads, and career sites will be better equipped to engage top talent.”
Costa points out that today’s applicants aren’t just chasing paychecks—they’re auditing culture, purpose, and authenticity through every step of the hiring funnel.
The Takeaway for Employers
If the 2023–2024 hiring cycle was about speed, 2025 is about substance. Candidates are taking longer, digging deeper, and using more channels to vet employers. Companies that treat recruiting as brand marketing—combining authentic culture signals with smooth digital processes—will win out.
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Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Public relations, investor relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire for secure and accurate distribution of market-moving news and multimedia. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented NX network. Business Wire’s global newsrooms are available to meet the needs of communications professionals and news media worldwide.
