Aerotek Survey Finds Job Seekers Prioritize Career Growth and Employer Communication

Manufacturing veterans remain some of the industry's biggest champions

HANOVER, Md., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Aerotek, a leading provider of workplace solutions for manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance, announced today the release of its Job Seeker Survey: Q3 2026. Based on responses from 2,100 workers across multiple industries, the survey examines how today's workforce is pursuing career growth, navigating the hiring process and adapting to the growing role of AI in their job searches.

How Career Growth Is Reshaping Pay Expectations
Economic uncertainty and slower hiring have many workers recalibrating what they want from their next career move. An overwhelming 83% of survey respondents say their career plans include learning new skills, with earning a higher wage cited as the top motivator (36%). That focus on career growth may also shape pay expectations, as 68% say they would likely accept a lower starting wage in exchange for a defined training and advancement program.

Organizations that clearly communicate career pathways, on-the-job training opportunities and advancement potential may be better positioned to attract talent.

Employer Ghosting Outpaces Concerns About AI in the Hiring Process
When asked which factor had the biggest impact on their job search over the past year, 44% of workers selected employer ghosting or lack of response, far more than the 17% of respondents who cited AI. Candidates are more concerned about limited updates, feedback and transparency than automation itself.

Ghosting doesn't just hurt the candidate experience issue — it can delay hiring, damage employer reputation and make it harder to reengage qualified workers. This creates a clear opportunity for employers to close the communication gap with technology by automating updates and follow-up so hiring teams can focus on the moments that matter most.

Experienced Workers Recommend Manufacturing Jobs
Manufacturing's strongest recruiting advantage may come from the workers who know the industry best. New Job Seeker Survey data shows 91% of experienced manufacturing workers recommend the field and 63% believe manufacturing offers a clear career path. Respondents view the industry as stable, growing and capable of supporting long-term career goals. The top five motivators for exploring manufacturing careers include:

• 31% Existing experience
• 24% Pay
• 21% Career advancement opportunities
• 14% Exposure to new technology
• 11% Shift flexibility

These findings offer employers a timely look at career mobility and industry perception and as an opportunity to build on manufacturing's positive reputation among experienced workers, in a field often defined more by labor shortages than by worker optimism.

"Job seekers remain focused on career growth in a slower hiring market, with many looking for a clear path to build skills, advance their careers and increase their earning potential over time," said Vinay Nayak, senior vice president, strategic sales and operations at Aerotek. "What's clear from this survey is that communication is what candidates care about most. Employers that use automation to close communication gaps will be better positioned to keep qualified candidates engaged throughout the hiring process."

To view Aerotek's Job Seeker Survey and more detailed findings and insights, click here. To learn more about Aerotek and its staffing and services solutions, please visit Aerotek.com.

About Aerotek
Aerotek^® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

About the Research
Aerotek's Job Seeker Survey was conducted as an independent online survey to understand what job seekers want. More than 2,100 job seekers were asked about their career ambitions and employer preferences. Respondents were located in the U.S. and Canada and completed the survey in July 2026. The survey targeted job seekers who have applied for work since March 1^st, 2026, to June 30^th, 2026, and were seeking jobs in the sectors Aerotek serves, including manufacturing, robotics and automation, facilities and maintenance, distribution and logistics, construction and other industries. When you need help building and managing your workforce, contact us.

SOURCE Aerotek