The job market continues to evolve, placing candidates at the center of this transformation. Employers are having to continue to adapt to these new expectations and are thinking about how to better leverage technology as well as workplace dynamics in order to attract and retain top talent. Understanding key hiring trends for 2025 is critical to enable candidates to navigate this increasingly competitive environment successfully.
Employees are prioritizing support for health and well-being, opportunities for reskilling, and clear career progression. These shifts reflect a growing emphasis on workplaces that foster personal and professional growth while meeting evolving employee needs. But what are employers looking for that candidates that is important to remember when applying?
Check what hiring trends are shaping the future of work in 2025 and how you can stand out as a candidate.
1. Adaptability and soft skills are in high demand
Recruiters and hiring managers are prioritizing a candidate’s potential to grow over their past achievements. While skills like data analysis or project management can be acquired through training or on the job, qualities like resilience, creativity, and emotional intelligence are much harder to develop—and much more sought after.
How to position yourself to demonstrate these skills:
- Showcase your adaptability by sharing examples of how you’ve successfully navigated change or solved unexpected challenges.
- Highlight emotional intelligence by explaining how you’ve built relationships, managed conflict, or engaged with diverse teams.
2. AI in Recruitment: optimizing your applications
Artificial intelligence (AI) will continue to transform the hiring process in 2025, from resume screening to predicting candidate success.
According to WTW’s Global Recruiting Lead, Clare Lewis, AI and machine learning are trends that will keep shaping hiring processes:
“There will continue to be a keen desire to explore and leverage AI technologies to enable data-driven decisions regarding candidates.”
What this means for candidates:
- Build a strong online presence on platforms like LinkedIn to align with AI-driven search algorithms.
- Research the company’s values and how they align with your own.
3. The growing importance of candidate experience
Demonstrating proactivity during the hiring process can set you apart as a strong candidate. Research from the Journal of Vocational Behavior* suggests that proactive individuals not only thrive at work but also experience greater career growth and satisfaction. Showing initiative during the hiring process signals your motivation, adaptability and desire to grow and these are qualities that employers value in the best candidates.
Quick tips for candidates:
- Be proactive: a friendly follow-up call or email after submitting your application or attending an interview can help set you apart.
- During calls, focus on showing enthusiasm for the role and curiosity about the company.
- Ask your recruiter what the typical timelines are for feedback and updates, this will help you manage your own expectations and know when to send a friendly follow up
4. Flexibility in the workplace
For candidates, this means evaluating a company's approach to flexibility. Consider whether its work-life balance, learning and development opportunities, and benefits that align with your career goals.
“Flexibility is key to allow employees to tailor their work environments to meet individual preferences and needs.” – Clare Lewis, Global Recruiting Lead
How to stand out on this hiring trend:
- Highlight how you’ve taken ownership of your personal and professional growth in the past.
- During interviews, ask about an employer’s approach to flexibility and career development to ensure it aligns with your expectations.
Clare Lewis also emphasizes that transparency and alignment with strong company values will be essential for attracting and retaining talent in 2025:
“Transparency in the hiring process and alignment with strong company values will be key factors for attracting top talent in 2025.”
By focusing on flexibility and personalization, you can better position yourself for success in the evolving workplace.
5. The importance of practical experience
According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum (WEF), 81% of employers plan to prioritize work experience as a key assessment mechanism from 2025 through 2030. This highlights the growing emphasis on practical, on-the-job learning.
For candidates, this recruitment trend for 2025 underscores the importance of demonstrating practical skills and leveraging work experience.
- Highlight your ability to apply knowledge effectively in real-world settings and be prepared for skills tests designed to evaluate your capabilities.
- This hiring approach opens doors to a broader range of opportunities, particularly in roles accessible through internships and apprenticeships programs.
Understanding these hiring trends is just the beginning. If you’re seeking a job, to stand out in 2025 you should:
- Optimize applications: use job-relevant keywords and tailor resumes for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) compatibility.
- Invest in growth: pursue courses, certifications, and opportunities to build in-demand skills.
- Embrace flexibility: show your readiness to adapt to work requirements and changing business needs.
- Be Proactive: follow up professionally after interviews and maintain strong communication with recruiters.
It’s time to pursue a career that moves you at WTW
2025 presents an incredible opportunity for candidates to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. By staying ahead of hiring trends like continuous learning, and inclusive workplaces, you can position yourself for success in roles that align with your values and career goals.
At WTW, we’re not just adapting to the future of work—we’re shaping it. With a focus on flexibility, innovation, inclusion, WTW careers are designed to help you grow, belong, and make an impact.
Now is the time to take the next step. Explore open jobs at WTW and discover how you can build a career that moves you.
* Proactive personality and career adaptability: The role of thriving at work
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