What is the dream job of the French

With talent scarce and companies struggling to fill key positions, PageGroup surveyed candidates about their vision for their dream job: What type of contract are they looking for? How important are Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments to them? Do they prefer working for a small or large company? What are their main selection criteria? Here are the answers.

A permanent contract as a form of reassurance after two years of health crisis

When asked “What types of contract are you willing to consider for your next position? “, 82% of candidates responded that they preferred a permanent position, And for good reason: after two years of crisis due to the CoCOVID-19andemic, it is normal for candidates to aspire to job security. It should be noted that, with 91% of respondents, it is those aged 30-39 who are most in search of the sacrosanct permanent contract. Conversely, among those under 30, only 68% are interested in landing a permanent contract.

A position in a company on a human scale for more autonomy and versatility in missions

Where do French candidates want to work? 67% of candidates prefer human-sized companies over large corporations.

• 36% of respondents would like to work in an SME/VSE (less than 250 employees);
• 31% in an ETI (between 250 and 1,000 employees);
• 30% in a group (more than 1,000 employees);
• Contrary to popular belief, only 3% of respondents would prefer to join a start-up.

Why? Among the perceived advantages of working in an SME/VSE, 49% of candidates highlight the fact of being able to work in a company on a human scale  29% of respondents perceive this same advantage for ETIs. Autonomy and versatility of missions come in 2nd place in the perceived interests of working in an SME/VSE (for 45% of candidates) or an ETI (for 39% of candidates). It seems that SMEs/VSEs also enjoy a very good image among candidates in terms of flexibility and responsiveness (38%) and quality of life at work (35%). Finally, 36% of candidates perceive career opportunities or possibilities for promotion in ETIs .

Candidates who prefer to work in a group appear to be primarily motivated by career opportunities or internal promotion opportunities (40%), as well as better pay and benefits (30%). The training and skills development programs these organizations are known for are also highlighted by 25% of respondents, as is the fact that they work in a more structured organization than a smaller company.

Financial benefits and training opportunities as a priority

When choosing their future job, 76% of 30-3939-year-oldsttach importance to the opportunities offered by the company in terms of training and career development plans, compared to 60% for all candidates. It can be assumed that this generation – already integrated into the job market when the health crisis hit – has, more than the younger generations, been confronted with career changes and the need to resort to continuing education to remain competitive in the market.

The financial benefits (company savings plan, profit-sharing, participation, etc.) offered by the company are also an important selection criterion for 63% of candidates. With 58% of respondents (40% for those under 30), health insurance for the employee and their loved ones comes in 3rd place among the benefits most favored by employees.

Other benefits include having a company car (33%), having access to IT equipment such as a smartphone and laptop (32%), and finally being able to benefit from a Company Retirement Savings Plan (31%). Note: only 16% of candidates consider the organization of internal events (seminars, incentives, evenings, trips, etc.) important when choosing their future employer.

Environment, inclusion A position in a committed company

Candidates are not only looking for good pay and career development opportunities: 69% of those surveyed said it was important or very important to work for a company committed to a CSR approach.

The possibility of teleworking at least 2 days a week and of colleagues going to the office

Due to the pandemic, many employees whose positions were “teleworkable” have had to work from home, sometimes for the first time, and often at a faster pace than usual. Having discovered the many advantages of this way of working, particularly for work-life balance, employees now no longer want to go back: 58% of candidates are therefore looking for a job with the possibility of teleworking . This figure even rises to 73% among 30-39 year-olds .

When asked about the ideal teleworking schedule, 46% of employees are in favor of a schedule of 2 days of teleworking per week  Only 10% of candidates want to work from home full-time. And for good reason, the office remains (still) an important place for candidates, and this for the following 3 main reasons:

1. Facilitate informal work exchanges with colleagues – 70%
2. Maintain social contact and enjoy relaxing moments with colleagues (breaks, lunch, after work– 56%
3. Participate in meetings physically – 41%

It should be noted that for 46% of those under 30, going to the office is a way to be more engaged compared to 26% for all candidates. Maintaining social ties by going to the office only comes in 3rd place among the reasons for going to the office (36%). Finally, and because they have surely experienced it more than other candidates during the health crisis, 38% of 30-33939-year-olds support returning to the regular office to reduce the feeling of exhaustion .