Attracting Digital Talent – How to Keep Up with the Competition

The digital industry is booming, but so is the competition for top talent. In 2025, digital professionals know their worth, and they’re being selective. So, the question for every hiring manager is: Are you doing enough to stand out? In our 2025 Digital Salary Survey, we asked hiring managers across the industry how they’re attracting digital talent. Here’s what they said – and what you can learn from it.

Flexible/Remote Working – 84%

No surprises here. Flexible or remote working is still the most powerful attraction tool in the digital hiring playbook.

Are you offering it? If not, you’re likely being ruled out before candidates even get to the interview stage.

TechNET Tip: A hybrid setup is now the norm. Clearly state your policy in job descriptions and ensure flexibility doesn’t come with a side of guilt. It’s not just a perk – it’s an expectation.

Competitive Salary – 70%

Salary still matters – a lot. With rising living costs and growing skill demand, candidates are benchmarking more than ever.

Are your salaries aligned with the market? If you’re unsure, you could be falling behind.

TechNET Tip: Use current salary data to guide your offers. Transparency and fairness go a long way. Don’t wait until a candidate turns down an offer to rethink your numbers.

Aligned Company Culture – 66%

Culture isn’t just about free snacks and socials – it’s about purpose, values and leadership.

Are you clear on what your culture offers? If not, candidates may struggle to connect.

TechNET Tip: Showcase your values during interviews. Let candidates meet their future teammates. A genuine culture fit attracts people who want to stay long-term.

Career Growth – 39%

People want to know there’s a future with your business – not just a job.

Are you discussing development paths? Too often, this is overlooked in favour of immediate needs.

TechNET Tip: Highlight learning opportunities, mentorship and progression routes from the start. Be clear about where the role can lead – and how you’ll help them get there.

Well-Trained Management – 30%

It’s said people don’t leave jobs, they leave managers – and our data supports that.

Is your leadership team trained to lead, not just manage? If not, engagement and retention may suffer.

TechNET Tip: Invest in people leadership skills across all levels. A strong manager can be the deciding factor in attracting (and keeping) top talent.

Flexible/Customised Benefits – 30%

Benefits should fit the person, not just the payroll. Think beyond gym discounts.

Are your benefits flexible enough? If they’re one-size-fits-all, they might not appeal.

TechNET Tip: Offer options – from wellness budgets to personalised parental leave plans. The more your benefits reflect modern life, the more attractive they become.

Bonuses – 25%

Bonuses can sweeten the deal, especially for results-driven candidates.

Do your bonus schemes reward the right behaviours? If not, they may go unnoticed.

TechNET Tip: Make bonus structures clear, fair and achievable. Tie them to individual and team success to create motivation, not confusion.

Hiring Outside of HQ/Country – 20%

Remote work opens up global talent pools – if you’re ready to manage them.

Are you limiting hiring to one location? You could be missing out on incredible candidates.

TechNET Tip: Expand your reach with remote-friendly roles. Be mindful of legal and onboarding logistics – but don’t let geography block growth.

Company Tech Stack – 13%

For digital professionals, tools matter. A strong tech stack signals innovation.

Are you using outdated tools? If so, candidates may worry your business isn’t evolving.

TechNET Tip: Promote the tools and platforms you use. Candidates want to work with tech that excites them, not holds them back.

Stand Out or Miss Out

Attracting digital talent in 2025 is about more than posting a job and waiting for applicants. It’s about standing out in a candidate-driven market, where the best professionals have options.

Are you offering what they’re looking for?

At TechNET Digital, we help companies refine their recruitment strategies to not only attract top digital talent but also to retain them. If you need expert support or want to benchmark your offering, let’s talk.