What do candidates expect from employers as they consider a potential new position? CareerBuilder recently conducted a study of more than 5,500 job seekers and 2,775 hiring managers that evaluated behaviors and opinions related to the recruitment and job search experience. Five suggestions for employers dominated the survey results.

Employers must be mobile-optimized. At least half of all job seekers spend three or more hours per week looking for jobs via mobile devices. The majority of those will leave a website if it is not mobile-optimized. Employers need to ensure that their sites are mobile-friendly so that they don't lose potential candidates early on in the search.

Employers must be prepared. Hiring staff should be as well-prepared for interviews as the candidates themselves. They must emphasize why they are an employer of choice, and progress through the hiring process at an appropriate speed.

Employers must have a strong employment brand. This includes a reputation for treating employees well, having a solid internal culture, and doing good within the community. The survey indicates that job seekers would accept a position at a 5 percent lower salary if the company had a good reputation and created a positive impression during the hiring process.

Employers must be responsive. Fifty-six percent of employers admitted that they don't respond to all candidates to confirm receipt of applications. In turn, they run the risk of losing these job seekers as customers.

Employers must offer a positive work-life balance. This includes a flexible work schedule and the opportunity to telecommute.

As 77 percent of full-time employees are considering or actively searching for a new job, being an employer of choice is critical to cultivating a strong talent pool.