Aerotek Survey Reveals Job Seekers Prioritize Job Stability and Challenge Entry-Level Experience Requirements

Candidates also show strong interest in manufacturing careers and relocation opportunities

HANOVER, Md., Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aerotek, a leading provider of workplace solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance, announced today the release of its Job Seeker Survey: Q3 2025. The survey offers new insights into the priorities and perspectives shaping today's labor market, including what drives candidates' decisions and how they evaluate opportunities.

The Q3 2025 survey collected responses from more than 2,400 job seekers across multiple industries. Results show that candidates are focused on job stability, while seeking more accessible entry-level roles and remaining open to positions outside their current city or county. These trends build on patterns observed in the Q2 2025 survey and highlight subtle shifts in overall job seeker sentiment, emphasizing the changing expectations employers must consider to attract and retain top talent.

Signaling Job Security: What Job Seekers Want to See
As the labor market remains unpredictable, job security continues to be a key motivator for job seekers to accept a new role. Over 35% of survey respondents feel more worried about being laid off compared to last year. Job seekers' perceptions of layoffs are impacting current job searches, with 42% even avoiding certain industries due to stability concerns.

Employers who show how they'll invest in their employees and provide transparency into the organization's financial health can strengthen trust and demonstrate long-term stability to both their workforce and prospective hires.

60% of Job Seekers Say Entry-Level Roles Require Too Much Experience
While job seekers recognize the importance of experience requirements, many report that employers request excessive experience needed for entry-level positions. In fact, 68% say entry-level roles should require less than a year of experience.

More than half (63%) of candidates indicated that listed experience requirements are important, yet 60% applied to jobs for which they did not fully meet the requirements. Of those applicants, 41% were ultimately hired.

Manufacturing Momentum: Job Seekers Embrace the Industry
Despite manufacturing's uncertain future in North America, survey results indicate strong job seeker interest in careers within the manufacturing industry. Nearly three-quarters (72%) reported applying to manufacturing jobs, and 64% are optimistic about the industry's future in North America. Motivators for exploring manufacturing include:

• 30% Existing experience
• 25% Career advancement opportunities
• 20% Pay
• 15% Exposure to new technology
• 10% Shift flexibility

42% of Workers Willing to Work Outside of Their City for the Right Opportunity
For industries like aviation, construction and facilities maintenance, many projects take place in areas lacking significant access to talent. These employers must attract workers from other cities and sometimes states to ensure they are adequately staffed. 27% of survey respondents are willing to work outside of their state for jobs that match their skills, goals and pay requirements. These findings illustrate the key considerations that influence workers' willingness to accept positions outside their current location.

"We've seen job seeker priorities continue to evolve over the last year due to the fluctuating economic landscape," said Bill Ruff, vice president, strategic sales at Aerotek. "Candidates are looking for stability, meaningful career growth and opportunities that realistically match their skills. Employers who understand these priorities and address them with job seekers will be best positioned to attract and retain top talent in today's labor market."

View more detailed findings and insights 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 14,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an operating company within Allegis Group, a global leader in talent 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 2,400 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 August 2025. The survey targeted job seekers who have applied for work since May 2025 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