Industry Panel discussion: What drives candidate decisions?

We’re excited to announce that Horner’s CEO, Kylie Heffernan, has been invited to participate as an expert panelist at “The Psychology of a Yes: What Aussie Job Seekers Really Want” a main stage panel discussion at the Talent X conference on Thursday 22 May, 2025, hosted by the RCSA – the peak body for the recruitment and staffing industry in Australia and New Zealand.

Sponsored by Indeed, the session takes a data-led look at what’s driving hiring decisions in today’s competitive market. And it’s no longer just about salary!

Understanding the ‘Yes’: More Than Just Salary

In today’s talent market, offering a competitive salary is no longer enough. Candidates are weighing offers based on speed of process, communication clarity, flexibility, and the overall trust they feel in a potential employer. These shifts are challenging organisations to rethink how they attract, engage and retain top talent.

This session will reveal the friction points that are turning candidates away and highlighting the simple but powerful changes recruiters and employers can make to win talent faster.

As part of the expert panel Q&A, Kylie Heffernan will share practical strategies and insights based on her experience leading an award-winning, national recruitment agency through ongoing labour market change, candidate expectations and technological disruption.

Panel discussion topics

• The biggest points of friction in the hiring process — and what they cost
• How to move at pace while preserving candidate quality
• The reality of salary transparency: adoption, resistance, and next steps
• Going beyond job placements to improve long-term candidate experience
• How AI is transforming recruitment processes and perceptions

Kylie’s participation reflects her standing in the industry as a trusted voice on talent strategy, candidate experience and innovation in recruitment.

We are delighted to see Kylie share her insights in such an important forum and help shape the future of hiring in Australia.

What’s Talent X?

Find out more about Talent X, and The Psychology of Yes panel discussion

About the Recruitment, Consulting & Staffing Association

The Recruitment, Consulting & Staffing Association (RCSA) is the peak body for the recruitment and staffing industry in Australia and New Zealand. RCSA’s purpose is to enhance lives, organisations and the economy through the ‘world of work’. RCSA drives professional practice, promotes & protects the industry, enables better business for members and provides opportunities for networking and the celebration of success. RCSA sets the benchmark for professionalism through standard setting, education, research and business advisory support to our member firms and accredited professionals. All of our members are bound by the RCSA Code for Professional Conduct which is underpinned by a comprehensive disciplinary and dispute resolution procedure.

As a leading recruitment agency, Horner is proud to be a long standing and actively engaged member of the RCSA.