The job market is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a generation—those aged 25 to 35—who are no longer looking for the “perfect job,” but rather for real opportunities, stimulating work environments, and companies that speak their language. A survey conducted by Orienta among 1,500 young people confirms this and sends a clear message to companies: talent is out there, but you need to know how to attract it using new tools and a new approach.
From the myth of the "dream job" to a more practical approach
Eighty-five percent of respondents have at least once accepted a job that didn’t perfectly match their aspirations, simply to gain experience. Only 15% chose to turn it down. These figures highlight a pragmatic mindset and an increasingly experimental approach to work: you jump in, learn, adapt, and grow.
In fact, 83% say they have revised their career goals over time. Gone are the days of a linear career path; instead, we see a journey marked by adjustments, new interests, and a constant search for meaning.
What really matters when choosing a job
In a changing landscape where priorities have shifted, salary is no longer the sole deciding factor. The top criterion for choosing a new job is the work environment (32%), followed by flexibility and compensation (25% each). Job security, once seen as a given, has dropped to 18%.
What about well-being? For young professionals, it comes first and foremost from the people around them: 36% cite their team as their main source of job satisfaction, while 30% prioritize opportunities for growth. The mindset has shifted from “How much will I earn?” to “Who will I work with?” and “Who can I become?”
Education: essential, but still hard to access
The assessment of the education system is harsh: 88% believe that universities do not adequately prepare students for entry into the job market. Continuing education is considered essential, but not easy to pursue: high costs are the main obstacle (54%), followed by lack of time (35%). Only 9% criticize the type of training available, suggesting that the problem is not “what to learn” but “how to access it.”
A generation in search of meaning, not just a job
As Giuseppe Biazzo, CEO of Orienta, points out, these findings paint a picture of a generation that is “self-aware, flexible, less attached to traditional career paths, and far more concerned with the quality of the work environment.” A generation that seeks genuine opportunities, meaningful relationships, room for growth, and practical tools to navigate an increasingly complex job market.
Today’s challenge is precisely this: to bridge the gap between skills and opportunities through career guidance programs, targeted training, and networking services that can help each individual realize their full potential.
This means that today's job market calls for a new approach:
- More authentic employer branding
- Team leaders trained to manage new generations
- Clear, efficient, and people-centered recruitment processes
- Concrete growth opportunities
- A work culture based on trust
Talent is out there; you just have to know how to attract it in a different way. In such a dynamic market, it’s not enough to simply look for candidates: companies need to speak their language and offer what they’re really looking for.
Eurotemps, the European network of employment agencies of which Orienta is a member, can be the ideal partner to support your company in this process: finding the right people and building lasting, meaningful relationships based on shared values.
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