In the absence of extreme perks, what else can an employer do to attract great talent? Money, job security and a nice working environment top the list of what workers desire in a prospective employer, according to new Randstad US research on employer branding.

Competitive salary and benefits ranked as the most important factor (24 percent), followed by long-term job security (13 percent) and pleasant work atmosphere (10 percent).

When asked for the top-five criteria when choosing an employer, responses included:

• Salary and benefits: 66 percent
• Work/life balance: 43 percent
• Convenient location: 40 percent
• Career progression opportunities: 39 percent
• Financially healthy: 32 percent
• Flexible work schedule: 32 percent
• Interesting job content: 27 percent
• Strong image/strong values: 21 percent
• Good training: 21 percent
• Strong management: 18 percent
• Quality products/services: 17 percent
• Diverse management: 12 percent
• Uses latest technologies: 11 percent
• Concerned with environment and society: 8 percent
• International/global career opportunities: 6 percent

The research surveyed a national sample of 7,000 students, employed and unemployed workers between the ages of 18 and 65.