Paris, France – April 24, 2024– The latest Universum ranking of the Most Attractive Employers in France reveals a job market firmly tilted in favour of candidates.

This year's survey highlights a shift in priorities for French graduates. While remuneration and company values were equally important during the pandemic, financial security is now taking center stage, even for women. Additionally, work-life balance and flexibility are becoming increasingly important for young professionals.

Interestingly, while salary is a top concern, purpose is not entirely forgotten. While some prioritize interesting work and good salaries over company values and sustainability, social impact is still a consideration, with young people seeking employers whose mission aligns with a greater societal good.

This newfound confidence is particularly evident among IT professionals, who are demanding more responsibility, attractive benefits, and meritocratic workplaces. The banking sector, particularly investment banks known for their generous compensation packages, has seen significant improvement in its ranking this year.

In the engineering field, the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors have made strong gains, while IT software and aerospace remain highly attractive. The business school ranking continues to be dominated by LVMH, which has held the top spot for two decades. L'Oréal Group climbs one spot to take second place, while Hermès rounds out the top three.

The popularity of the aeronautics sector remains strong for engineering students, with Airbus and Thales retaining their top two positions. Notably, Safran climbs two spots to claim third place.

The dominance of the GAFAMs (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft) in the IT sector remains unchanged, with Google, Microsoft, and Apple holding the top three spots, respectively. 

These findings underscore a crucial moment in the French job market. Employers must adapt to the evolving needs of candidates who prioritize not only financial security but also a sense of purpose and a healthy work-life balance.

The Rising Importance of Employer Branding 

Universum's findings highlight the critical role of effective and insights-guided employer branding and communication in attracting top talent. Companies that understand and align with the values and expectations of their future workforce—emphasizing aspects such as job security, development opportunities, and workplace culture—stand out in the competitive job market. The evidence in the research suggests that the greater proportion of businesses still have some work to do here.