The Three Non-Negotiables in Today’s Hiring Market – and Why Flexibility Matters
The sales recruitment market is shifting again. After a period of rapid post-COVID salary inflation and widespread remote working, we’re now seeing a return to more “traditional” patterns of work. Salaries have stabilised, hybrid policies are tightening, and both clients and candidates are having to make choices about what really matters.
At the centre of it all are three non-negotiables:
Salary and package
Experience and skill set
Location and commute
Finding candidates who neatly satisfy all three is becoming increasingly rare.
For Employers: The Unicorn Hunt Is Back
Many hiring managers begin their search with a very specific picture of the “ideal candidate.” Right skills, within budget, and able to commute two or three times a week. But in today’s market, the overlap between those three circles is shrinking fast.
That’s why more and more conversations with clients now centre on flexibility. The key questions are:
Budget: Could the salary stretch for the right person?
Location: Could someone commute less frequently (once a week or fortnight) without affecting performance?
Experience: Could you consider a candidate with strong potential but slightly less track record, who could grow into the role?
The businesses that adapt are finding they can access stronger talent pools and build more sustainable teams. Those that don’t risk drawn-out searches and missed opportunities.
For Candidates: Clarity Is Your Competitive Edge
From the candidate side, the shift is equally clear. Remote-only roles are far fewer than they were, and salaries are not climbing at the pace we saw in 2021–2022. That means being laser-focused on what you bring to the table — and what matters most to you in a new role.
Trying to be “all things to all employers” rarely works. The candidates who stand out are those who know their strengths, stay in their lane, and target roles where those strengths are most relevant. Employers are open to potential, but they also want to see clarity, consistency, and a track record of impact.
When weighing up opportunities, ask yourself:
Which of the three non-negotiables matters most to me right now — salary, experience match, or location?
Where can I add the most value quickly?
What compromises am I willing to make to secure the right long-term move?
A Market in Balance
The post-COVID hiring surge has given way to a more balanced market. Employers have more choice than they did two years ago, but the pool of “perfect fit” candidates is shrinking as location and budget pressures return.
The solution on both sides is flexibility. Employers who are willing to flex on budget, hybrid patterns, or experience open up stronger candidate pools. Candidates who are clear on their priorities — and focused on roles aligned to their strengths — position themselves for long-term success.