2025 and Beyond—How We Can Redefine Hiring Together

As 2025 approaches, the hiring world is at a crossroads. Whether you’re an employer trying to build strong teams or a candidate navigating the job market, it’s clear that the old ways of hiring no longer serve us. If we want to create a better system—one that supports businesses and workers alike—it’s time to take a hard look at what needs to change.

This isn’t just about the jobs we’re filling today; it’s about building a foundation for the future of work. So, let’s ask ourselves the hard questions: What are we going to do differently in 2025? What are we prepared to ask of each other to make the hiring process better? And where is hiring headed in the next five years?

For Employers: It’s Time to Reset the Hiring Playbook

The hiring landscape is more complex than ever. With trends like regional hiring, skills-based recruitment, and return-to-office mandates shaping the job market, 2025 demands a fresh approach.

As IT leaders, the challenge is clear: if you’re not adapting, you’re falling behind.

Here are some reflections and priorities for employers:

• Make Hiring Transparent and Candidate-Centric: In 2024, we saw candidates facing one major frustration—being ghosted during the hiring process. As someone who’s spoken with executives and job seekers alike, I can tell you this: the experience you create for candidates matters. It’s not just about attracting top talent; it’s about showing them respect and trust from the very first interaction.

It’s not just about attracting top talent; it’s about showing them respect and trust from the very first interaction.

• Refocus on Clear Job Definitions: One of the biggest mistakes we saw in the last year was the bundling of multiple roles into one job description to save costs. This practice creates confusion for candidates and leads to prolonged vacancies. In 2025, clarity is king. Define the role, its purpose, and its deliverables, and you’ll not only attract better candidates but also save time.
• Use Data and Technology Wisely: Tools like AI and skills-based hiring platforms are reshaping recruitment, but technology alone isn’t enough. Data must complement human judgment. Use it to identify trends, evaluate fit, and eliminate bias, but remember that hiring is as much an art as it is a science.
• Invest in the Long-Term: Hiring shouldn’t just be about filling today’s gap. It’s about building teams that will drive your business forward. This means considering cultural fit, emotional intelligence, and leadership potential as much as technical skills.

For Job Seekers: Advocate for a Better Process

If you’re looking for a role in 2025, the market is full of opportunity, but it’s also more competitive.

The best candidates are those who bring more than just technical skills to the table—they bring vision, curiosity, and a willingness to grow.

But just as employers have a responsibility to adapt, candidates must also think critically about their expectations and contributions.

Here’s what to focus on. Ask the Right Questions in Interviews:

• What does success look like in this role?
• How does the company support growth and development?
• What’s the culture like, and how does it align with your values?

These questions show employers that you’re not just looking for a paycheck; you’re looking for a partnership.

1. Showcase Emotional Intelligence: As the workplace evolves, soft skills like emotional intelligence and adaptability are increasingly valued. Show that you can lead, communicate effectively, and navigate challenges with empathy and collaboration.
2. Be Open About Your Needs: Whether it’s flexibility, mentorship, or tools for success, don’t be afraid to advocate for what you need in a role. Employers who value you as a candidate will listen.

Looking Ahead: What Hiring Could Look Like in 2030

While 2025 will be a year of recalibration, it’s also a stepping stone to what’s coming next. By 2030, we’ll see even greater shifts in hiring driven by technology, globalization, and the evolving demands of the workforce. Here’s what we expect:

• Skills-Based Hiring as the Norm: The focus on degrees and credentials will continue to fade, replaced by an emphasis on what candidates can do
• AI as a Strategic Partner: AI will not replace recruiters but will work alongside them to improve efficiency, reduce bias, and create more tailored hiring experiences.
• Soft Skills as a Core Requirement: Emotional intelligence, creativity, and leadership potential will be seen as non-negotiable traits, especially in leadership roles.
• A Workforce That Demands Transparency: Candidates will expect clear communication, fair compensation, and opportunities for growth from day one.

The decisions we make in 2025 will lay the groundwork for these changes. This is our chance to build better systems—ones that prioritize both people and progress.

Our Commitment at Fox Search Group

At Fox Search Group , we’re not just thinking about what hiring looks like next year; we’re thinking about what it should look like in the next decade. It’s why we’re focused on bridging the gap between candidate experience and employer expectations. And it’s why we’re constantly rethinking how we approach recruitment to create meaningful, lasting connections between people and companies.

The future of hiring isn’t just about filling jobs; it’s about creating workplaces that inspire, innovate, and grow. Let’s make 2025 a year of progress. Together.