AI, hybrid work, and rising job competition are transforming how companies hire. If you're a student, graduate, or just starting out in your career, check out our summary of 2025's talent trends.
The world of talent acquisition, hiring, and recruitment is undergoing rapid transformation. From the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) to shifting expectations around work-life balance and remuneration, recruitment in 2025 is already looking very different from what it did even a few years ago.
In this article, we unpack the key trends shaping hiring today according to talent assessment experts Tazio and their 2025 trends report, which we were grateful to contribute to.
Here is our summary of the key talent trends and what they mean for early career candidates, employers, and the future of work.
1. AI Is Changing Everything: For Better and Worse
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising recruitment. Job seekers are now using AI tools to polish their CVs, match with roles, write applications, and even prep for interviews. Some are going further, using AI-generated test answers or video deepfakes, prompting ethical questions and fairness concerns.
Meanwhile, employers are using AI to screen large volumes of applicants, assess skills, and automate decision-making. But this comes with regulatory risks: under the upcoming EU AI Act (effective August 2025), certain AI tools may be deemed high risk or even unacceptable if they assess candidates based on behaviour or personality traits.
In Short: Expect employers to become more cautious about how they use AI in recruitment. Transparency, fairness, and ethical hiring will take centre stage, and human judgment will remain critical.
2. Economic Pressures Are Reshaping the Job Market
With rising National Insurance and minimum wage costs, many businesses are tightening their budgets. Some are making redundancies or freezing hiring altogether. The result? More job seekers competing for fewer roles, especially in sectors like hospitality and retail.
Compounded by the upcoming Day 1 rights legislation (potentially arriving in 2025 or 2026), which will give employees unfair dismissal protection and access to benefits from their first day, organisations will need to be much more selective about who they hire.
In Short: Hiring processes may become more rigorous, with increased focus on cultural and skills fit. Stand out by demonstrating not just capability, but curiosity, drive, and a sincere interest in long-term development opportunities with a potential employer.
3. Hybrid Work Is Here to Stay, But Not Without Consequences
Since the pandemic, hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office) has become the norm. While this flexibility has expanded access to jobs, especially for caregivers and those outside major cities, it has also created challenges, particularly for early-career professionals.
Younger employees report slower skills development and fewer opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues when working remotely. Some large firms are now pushing for full-time office returns, but this isn’t without pushback: 48% of professionals would consider quitting if required to be in the office full time.
In Short: Flexibility is a major consideration, but weigh it against the value of in-person learning and mentorship. Employers will increasingly differentiate themselves by the work models they offer.
4. Human-Centred Hiring Is the Future
While AI and automation will remain vital tools, the future of talent acquisition lies in values-based, skills-based, and merit-based hiring.
What does this mean? Rather than focusing only on qualifications or previous experience, forward-thinking companies are assessing a candidate’s attitude, potential, and values — traits that predict long-term success and leadership.
In Short: Highlight your adaptability, motivation, and alignment with company values. Employers are looking for more than just a CV — they want to invest in future leaders.
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Thanks again to Tazio for the opportunity to participate in this research