Top talent rarely moves just because a recruiter calls. They move when something in their current reality no longer aligns with what they believe is possible elsewhere. Every career decision ultimately ladders back to five core motivators, and the most successful employers know how to speak to all of them.

Let’s break down the five prime drivers behind why candidates make a move.

Quality of Life

This is often the number 1 motivator, even before money, for many professionals. People want to feel energized by where they spend 40+ hours a week. That means:

  • A leader they trust and respect
  • A culture that aligns with their values
  • Reasonable flexibility or less time commuting
  • Psychological safety, not just team “vibes”

Quality of life is not a perk. It’s relief from burnout, chaos, poor leadership, or lack of support.

Ego (In a Good Way)

Everyone, at every level, has an ego, and top performers absolutely do.
They want to feel:

  • “I could excel here.”
  • “They want me for what I’m uniquely good at.”
  • “This move elevates my story.”

Candidates imagine themselves in the seat. If they can see themselves thriving and being seen as strategic, respected, and needed, momentum builds fast.

Advancement & Trajectory

This is not just about title jumps. It’s about momentum.

  • “Where would I be in two years if I said yes to this?”
  • “Who would I get exposure to?”
  • “Does this open more doors, or narrow them?”

Top talent thinks about trajectories, not job descriptions. If the role helps them become who they want to be, they’re listening.

Location & Lifestyle Fit

Even in a hybrid world, geography matters.
People have places they want to live, or places they will never move to.
They’re asking:

  • “Does this bring me closer to family or farther away?”
  • “Could I actually see myself living there?”
  • “Does this allow flexibility if life changes?”

Location isn’t always physical. Sometimes it’s simply: This fits the life I’m building.

Financial Impact

Money matters, but it’s rarely the first motivator.
It’s the final rationalizer. Candidates ask:

  • “Is this worth making a move?”
  • “Does this reduce stress? Grow wealth? Improve security?”

They’re not calculating base salary; they’re calculating future freedom.

The Bottom Line

When a candidate says yes, it’s because at least three of these five motivators are meaningfully improved compared to where they are today. Smart hiring teams don’t wait until the offer stage to speak to these motivators. They intentionally design roles, messaging, and interview conversations around them from the beginning. If you speak to quality of life, their career story, and their future, you’ll win the talent everyone else is chasing.

Are you looking for top talent in the Specialty Chemical, Advanced Materials, or Animal Health industry?

Contact us to discuss how we can bring top leadership talent to your team. Boaz Partners is a premier executive search firm focused on the direct recruitment of executives and professionals for specialty chemicals, advanced materials, and animal health spaces. We are your partner, and our focus is on custom recruiting solutions. Follow the link to learn more about how our specialty chemical recruiters can help you.