So we’ve made it to 2025!
The recruitment scene in the UK has seen some serious shifts in 2024, and it looks like 2025 is set to keep us on our toes. Let’s take a look at what’s high on the agenda for the year ahead…
Stay flexible
Nope, not talking about the January yoga classes.
With tech, work culture, and economic factors constantly evolving, businesses need to stay adaptable to attract and retain top talent.
Remote and hybrid work arrangements? Still a hot topic. Despite some companies nudging teams back to the office, the reality is many candidates would trade higher pay for flexibility. Offering flexible work options is key to snagging the best talent and broadening your candidate pool.
The skills to pay the bills
It’s not just businesses that need to be adaptable; candidates do too! The UK is leaning towards skills-based hiring, focusing on specific skills over traditional degrees. Companies are prioritising upskilling and reskilling their teams to stay competitive.
Be the place to be
Improving the candidate experience is crucial. Strong employer brands and personalised recruitment processes will help you stand out in the crowded market. Let’s not forget about diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) too! Creating inclusive workplaces is a must, and sustainability is gaining momentum too. Gen Z’s are pushing for positive changes with their ethical approach to business.
Tech takeover
AI and automation is making waves and is already taking on a bigger role in recruitment, handling tasks like CV screening, freeing up recruiters to focus on what really matters. While AI can cut down on unconscious bias, there’s still a need for human intuition to assess cultural fit and those nuanced qualities that make a candidate a perfect match. Plus, as per our previous post here, there is still a big question mark around data privacy. Proceed with caution!
No BS about your business
Authenticity is big in 2025. Gen Z, in particular, craves it from potential employers. Expect a shift towards genuine, employee-driven content. Behind-the-scenes videos and employee testimonials will showcase your company culture and attract the top talent you need.
Is there life on mars?
We don’t know about space, but venturing into new online territories will find those quality candidates.
Spaces like Reddit and TikTok could be potential goldmines for recruitment plus the more niche job boards for skills based roles. But don’t forget the classics. Platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, Reed, CV-Library, and TotalJobs will always be part of the strategy. Luckily we know all there is to know about all of them!
In summary
The future of recruitment is evolving at lightning speed, driven by tech advancements, changing work preferences, and a focus on candidate experience. Trends like remote and hybrid work, skills-based hiring, AI in recruitment, and the importance of DEI are still shaping the landscape.
Businesses need to stay flexible, embrace AI responsibly, diversify their recruitment media, and focus on both candidate quality and internal mobility.
Authenticity and transparency will be crucial in attracting top talent, especially among Gen Z, who value meaningful work and company values.
Keep up!
Leigh Randall from Artfully says, “So much can change in 12 months, just as it did in 2024. We have a good idea of how candidate behaviours will evolve, but the economy will be a big factor. If slow growth continues, we might see a scramble for stable employment, with more candidates open to traditional company cultures and office returns.”
Q1 will set the tone for the year, but recruitment never stops. Understanding current trends is key to success in 2025, and we’re here to help you kick off your campaigns.
