Top Trends for Job Hunting in 2024

While the first few months of a new year is a great opportunity for working professionals to embark on new career opportunities, it’s important for candidates to be aware of latest trends, market insights and challenges across the job market. 

In this article, we highlight the top trends for job hunting in 2024 to ensure the best results for your journey to securing your next role. No matter what stage of your career, or how senior a role you are looking to secure, these trends and tips will allow you to move forward this year.

We still find ourselves in a candidate driven market, however businesses are keen to adapt their approach to hiring to have more control with both talent attraction and retention, so it’s important for candidates on the market to remain ahead of the game.

Hybrid working models

There are many businesses who are keen to encourage a physical office presence after a real emphasis on remote work in recent years, however they also understand they need to keep a balanced working model to appeal to all working styles and preferences of candidates. As a result, flexible hybrid models which allow for both remote and in-office work will be seen to peak throughout the year. According to a survey by Statista, the most common hybrid work arrangement is between two and three days in the office per week. This suggests the preference for balance between in-person office interaction and remote working flexibility.

It’s important for candidates to demonstrate their ability to thrive in both an office and remote work environment and that candidates can display effective communication skills, collaboration and team building capabilities. McKinsey and Company highlight that communication and collaboration are key challenges for hybrid business models so if candidates can demonstrate they can overcome these challenges with their skillsets, this will appeal to potential employers.

Increased use of AI in the hiring process

As modern technology and AI advances continue throughout 2024, the recruitment and hiring process for some organisations and industry sectors will also change. We’re expecting to see more businesses adopt a form of AI in the recruitment process.

It’s important for candidates to familiarise themselves with the AI applications coming into play throughout the recruitment process such as CV screening, assessments and virtual interviews. Optimise your resume, LinkedIn profile and any other communications tools such as profiles and cover letters so keywords are considered. This means carefully reviewing job advertisements and specifications and ensuring keywords from those are factored into your own communications. Highlight key achievements, percentages and performance metrics within the body of your profiles and applications as this will make it easier for AI to analyse and consider the most relevant information.

Candidates need to be prepared for skills assessments online and the potential for virtual interview processes so it’s key to focus on developing digital presentation skills and online communications, so you’re equipped to successfully deliver on new AI enhanced recruitment processes. While this is a development phase of recruitment and we’re seeing more AI being utilised, it is important to remain authentic and focus on the human element which will never completely disappear, no matter how much AI is brought into the hiring process. Ensure you showcase your personality, strength and give a great impression of who you are throughout the process.

Upskilling, with a focus on digital 

As we progress throughout 2024, and as many more businesses and industry sectors adopt new technologies and advancements, there is a greater need to attract and retain talent with core digital skillsets and knowledge. With this rapid pace of change, there is a demand for candidates to continue learning throughout their career journey to remain current and appealing to potential employers. Now is the time to invest in the development of existing skills, and acquiring new skills in areas such as digital, AI and data analysis.

Employers are also heavily focused on upskilling their teams with 70% of employers admitting that upskilling existing employees is a top priority this year – LinkedIn Global Talent Trends Report 2023. Employees should take up opportunities with current employers to access additional training and upskilling programs to allow them to develop skillsets across all areas.

Softer skills in demand

While industry specific experience and technical skillsets are a key driving factor for employers when hiring new talent to their business, this year, we’ll see softer skills become more desired by employers. Communication, problem solving, and collaboration are becoming increasingly sought after soft skills, with businesses seeing the huge value in what they can bring to an organisation.

According to the LinkedIn Global Talent Trends Report 2023, 50% of hiring managers report that they are prioritising these soft skills. While candidates may feel these skills are less significant than either specific industry experience or technical skillsets, it’s essential to demonstrate these softer skills on your resume, throughout interview processes and as part of your online personal brand.

A focus on sustainability

More and more businesses are seeking talent that can allow them to create more sustainable processes and reduce their carbon footprint, this is something our expert recruiters are seeing across all industry sectors we operate within.

Demi Nicholls, Managing Consultant at CSG Talent shared her insights on the increased demand for experience within sustainability:

“I’m seeing a much deeper focus on sustainability across the markets I operate within, businesses are always creating new ways to be biodiverse, developing eco-friendly emerging technologies and exploring sustainable innovations their business can adopt. As a result, they’re on the lookout for talent that can help them achieve their sustainability goals and bring forward new ideas. If candidates can highlight their knowledge on sustainability, their experience involved in related projects and their passion to drive more sustainable processes, this would be a huge attraction for businesses.”

Build your personal brand

Personal brand, especially online, is important at any stage of your career, whether you’re actively on the market for new roles or not. Having an impressive online profile not only allows you to stand out in talent searches, but it also presents you in the best light to potential employers and recruiters scanning the market for top talent.

It’s a market with fierce competition and according to LinkedIn, 70% of businesses use social media for candidate screening. Think about how you position yourself online, the content you share and posts you engage with. Present yourself as an expert in your field who can share deep-level insights as a thought-leader and an influential figure within the industry you operate. Optimise your LinkedIn profile which effectively showcases your expertise and the value you can offer a potential employer. Forbes highlighted that 85% of hiring managers believe a strong personal brand makes a candidate more memorable, so having an effective personal brand can help you build trust and credibility with potential employers.

Finding your next opportunity with an executive recruiter

As always, when you’re in the process of finding a new role and interviewing for new job opportunities, it’s important to remain positive, resilient and focused. Know exactly what you want from a new job opportunity, what your goals are and the type of business that will allow you to reach your career goals and align your values with those of the business.

Working with an expert recruiter in your industry sector can be hugely beneficial to not only source new opportunities that you wouldn’t necessarily be exposed to on the market, but also to support and consult your own career development and actively present you potential job opportunities most suited to you and your career goals. If you’re keen to explore how CSG Talent can support your career development, check out our candidate services or get in touch with a member of our expert team. Alternatively, if you’re still considering what your next steps might be, check out further insights to allow you to review and focus on your individual development here.