The landscape of hiring a marketer has changed. A solid job spec isn’t the be all and end all anymore. Today’s marketing professionals are making career moves with more intention than ever. Marketers move jobs more than other professions, with 57% switching at least every three years. To keep hold of top talent, understanding what they look for is crucial.

Of course, salary still matters (more on that shortly). The marketers of today, though, are choosing roles based on a broader set of values. This shift isn’t theoretical. It’s happening right now, quietly shaping who applies to your jobs, who accepts your offers, and who walks away.

With over 30 years of industry experience, we’ve seen our fair share of changing priorities. With the launch of our latest salary survey and market trend report, what marketers are looking for has been made apparent. If you’re a hiring manager wondering what do marketers want today, understanding these insights can give you the edge. Here’s a look at what marketing professionals want from their job in 2025.

Flexible and hybrid working is a must-have

Hybrid working has been a hot topic for the last few years. While 28% of UK professionals were working remotely in 2024, marketers appear more reluctant than others to make the leap back into old ways of working. In fact, hybrid working is non-negotiable for most marketers in 2025.

This was made clear in our survey. We found that 79% of marketers would leave a role if hybrid working was taken off the tale. Simply put, marketing professionals expect it, and if you’re not willing to budge, your talent pool could be shrinking. In fact, only 2.9% of candidates are open to spending 5 days a week in the office.

The most attractive employers aren’t simply allowing hybrid working, they’re making it a part of their employer brand. Two or three days in the office seems to be the sweet spot for marketers who thrive on both connection and autonomy. If you’re recruiting marketing talent in 2025, being explicit about this policy is a top hiring tip.

Marketing professionals still prioritise salary

Yes, hiring a marketing professional needs more than an eye-catching pay package. Let’s be clear, though, salary is definitely still important when recruiting marketers in 2025. Our survey found that more than a third of marketing professionals are unhappy with their current salary. Pay does remain one of the top marketing job trends and a big reason why marketers start updating their CV’s.

The way candidates think about compensation has changed. Marketing professionals want to understand the structure behind the number. Pay transparency and fairness as well as the opportunity to climb the ladder through annual review structures are on their mind as well. Similarly, the quality of benefits on offer is a key consideration.

Marketers in 2025 want meaningful progression

When recruiting marketing professionals, make it clear that they don’t have to stand still in their role. Don’t be afraid of talking about what comes next. For job-seeking marketers in 2025, career development is a driving force behind their search.

Whether they’re in performance, content, CRM, or brand, marketers want to know how they’ll evolve. The businesses that win top marketing talent are the ones who offer clear paths for development. From internal mobility to mentorship and coaching, make sure the development opportunities you’re offering are front and centre.

Values and purpose influence marketing job decisions

Marketing professionals are brand-builders. As such, they’re more aware than anyone of the story your company tells. Purpose-led businesses are appealing, and marketers want to feel connected to the company mission. From sustainability to the way people are treated, shouting about your values is a big marketing hiring tip for 2025.

This is especially true when attracting early to mid-career marketers. Gen Z and younger millennials often ask about social responsibility, green policies, and internal values. This doesn’t mean you have to be an activist. It means being clear on what you stand for and how you operate.

When values feel real rather than performative, they can make the difference between a maybe and a yes. For many marketing professionals looking for a job, alignment with a company’s purpose is often as important as the role itself.

Autonomy and trust are essential

Marketers are thinkers, creatives, planners and problem-solvers. They thrive in environments that value autonomy and self-direction. The professionals we speak to want to feel that their time and expertise is being valued.

Micromanagement is a big red flag to mid to senior level marketing professionals in particular. They want to be asked what they think, not just told what to do. If your team encourages experimentation, critical thinking, and creative ownership, don’t hide that away. For many marketing candidates, it’s a huge incentive in itself.

Attract the best marketing talent with EMR

Hiring marketing professionals in 2025 is all about presenting the full package. The best marketers aren’t just looking for a stopgap, they’re looking for the right fit. With decades of marketing expertise, we know a thing or two about finding the right marketers for you.

If you’re hiring now, we’d love to hear from you. You can submit a brief to get started. To get more insights into what makes marketers tick, download our 2025 salary survey and market trend report today.