I was told all my life that I needed to go to college to land a good job with benefits and a 401(k) to boot. Yet, the adults in my life failed to tell me that landing a job feels practically impossible sometimes. We live in a competitive world, and it seems like no amount of experience or qualifications will ever be enough. Time and again, we put ourselves out there, apply for jobs we’re well suited for, and don’t hear anything back. Lately, the market has been chaotic in every sense, but I’ve heard whispers that things are looking up for job seekers and employees alike. While I don’t like to get my hopes up, I know I’m not the only one wondering if the rumors are true, especially since the economy is stabilizing, inflation is easing, and technology is rapidly evolving.
We tapped experts to get to the bottom of it all: Is the job market going to change in 2025? Will passionate candidates finally land the roles they’re qualified for? And after last year, just how many people are still on the job hunt? Keep reading for answers, plus expert advice on how to take advantage of the job market’s changes in 2025.
How is the job market changing?
Hiring came to a standstill in 2024, but things shifted in December. Not only were 256,000 jobs added to the market, but the unemployment rate fell from 4.2 to 4.1 percent and is expected to hover around 4 percent in 2025. While it doesn’t seem like much, it’s actually a huge step forward (and we welcome any decrease)! With this in mind, plus more, the job market is changing in major ways this year. Here’s how:
It’s becoming more dynamic
The last few years were plagued with economic uncertainty (looking at you, inflation), which resulted in more workers staying at their jobs while employers cut back on or stopped hiring altogether. While this created a static workforce with limited growth opportunities in 2024, it also helped the market rebalance. Now, the job market is finally becoming more dynamic. This means new employment opportunities are available, scaling the career ladder and job hopping is becoming easier, and ongoing skill development is taking precedence.
The World Economic Forum attributes this workforce shift to rapid technological developments in AI and automation, the enhanced focus on sustainability and climate change, demographic workplace changes, like baby boomers retiring, and macroeconomic and geoeconomic shifts. Ashley Kera, the Founder and Principal Consultant of Kera Coaching & Consulting LLC, says that these factors will pick up hiring in the healthcare, renewable energy, and tech and AI fields. Likewise, she explained that skilled trades, such as construction, logistics, and manufacturing, will also experience growth as infrastructure projects and reshoring gain traction.
There’s more money to go around
According to the cofounder and President of Level D&I Solutions, Chelsea Akers, the United States is expected to experience moderate economic growth in 2025, with the GDP (the total value of goods and services produced within a specific time) predicted to grow by 2.2 to 2.3 percent. Unsurprisingly, this will have a positive impact on the job market. A recent ZipRecruiter survey found that 55 percent of employers are planning to hand out pay raises this year. While 24 percent of employers surveyed anticipate increases of 5 percent or higher, Akers says the average pay raises will be between 3.5 and 3.9 percent. “This moderation in salary growth is attributed to easing inflation and a cooling labor market, reducing the pressure on employers to offer higher wage increases,” she said.
What’s more, this also bodes well for job seekers. These salary increases create greater job satisfaction, so fewer employees will be tempted to look for jobs elsewhere. Plus, a reported eight in 10 recent hires are making more money in their new roles than their previous ones. This means the days of staying at a job out of financial fear and necessity rather than passion and enjoyment are over. If you’re not earning what you deserve in your current role and can’t secure a raise, it won’t hurt to look at other employment options.
“New employment opportunities are available, scaling the career ladder and job hopping is becoming easier, and ongoing skill development is taking precedence.”
Employers want candidates with a wide range of skills
According to Luke Victor, the Head of Talent at financial app Cleo, many companies downsized over the past few years. They opted to rely on smaller teams where everyone has a broad role versus a specific area of focus or utilize temporary or contract workers. This helped employers offset wage push inflation and avoid large staff cuts. Victor expects this to continue as the economy rebalances and stabilizes.
Needless to say, employees with a wide range of skills will take center stage in 2025. “The good thing about these broader roles is that the compensation tends to be higher, given that you’re hiring one person who can do multiple things instead of two people,” Victor explained. Obviously, this can include monetary compensation, like a higher salary; however, Kera says it also includes non-monetary benefits as well, such as well-being initiatives, career development, and flexibility.
AI is opening up more opportunities
If you ask LinkedIn Career Expert and author of the Career Companion, Catherine Fisher, AI skills are more in demand than ever. She explained that, according to LinkedIn’s Work Change report, global hiring for AI talent has surged by more than 300 percent over the past eight years. Furthermore, artificial intelligence engineer and artificial intelligence consultant took the top two spots on LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise, while artificial intelligence researcher came in at number 12. According to Fisher, this indicates that “AI is a driving force behind the fastest growing jobs in the U.S.”
This is hardly surprising, especially since more companies are using AI and automation to streamline productivity and efficiency in everyday work processes. By the same token, AI will continue to change the way people job search and how employers hire. If they aren’t already doing so, applicants and HR professionals alike will implement AI to more easily find the jobs and skills they are looking for. A faster way to find work matches? I’m all about it.
How to take advantage of the job market this year
Based on what we know, it seems clear that the 2025 job landscape is bright. However, as much as it pains me to take the wind from anyone’s sails, I’d be remiss not to tell you the competition is still fierce. One out of five professionals who were looking for a job last year are still on the hunt, and 54 percent of U.S. workers are planning to seek new employment this year. This means that finding a job might still be difficult, but don’t let that discourage you. Rather, let it motivate you to be more strategic in your approach. Whether you’re job searching or trying to scale the ladder in your current role, here’s how to take advantage of the 2025 job landscape:
Be more selective in your search
If you think that applying to every job listing you come across increases your chances of getting hired, you’re not alone. It makes sense in theory, but in reality, Fisher says the opposite is true. She explained that nearly 40 percent of applicants are applying for more jobs than ever and hearing back even less. To pour salt in the wound, 73 percent of HR professionals admit that less than half the applications they receive meet the required criteria for the position.
“One out of five professionals who were looking for a job last year are still on the hunt, and 54 percent of U.S. workers are planning to seek new employment this year.”
Clearly, this numbers strategy is backfiring. Instead of applying to every listing you come across, Fisher suggests finding and applying to jobs that match the skills you have or are currently acquiring. Not only will this let you flaunt what you bring to the table, but it will also set you apart from other candidates. Likewise, Fisher recommends utilizing LinkedIn’s new job match feature to narrow down your search to the best opportunities available and look into which industries are hiring and what roles are available within them. Since healthcare, renewable energy, skilled trades, and tech and AI are hiring more this year, try searching for open positions in each that match your specific skill set, background, and experience.
Ask for a salary increase
Since more than half of employers surveyed by ZipRecruiter are giving out salary increases, now’s the time to be rewarded for your hard work. You shouldn’t miss out when the rest of the world will be making more money. So, talk to your employer about getting the raise you deserve. Can doing this feel intimidating and overwhelming? Absolutely. However, if you don’t ask, the answer will always be “no.” Plus, asking your boss for a salary increase is a great way to talk about your position in the company; you can highlight your achievements and show them how valuable you are. And if they don’t have the funds to grant your request, you can always ask for non-monetary compensation, like fringe benefits or more flexibility.
Upskill for hybrid roles and become proficient with AI
Demonstrating that you’re capable of working on and off-site is more important than ever in today’s job market. “Companies are operating leaner teams, expecting employees to take on hybrid roles that blend technical expertise with interpersonal skills,” Kera told me. She then went on to say that employers especially value hybrid workers with emotional intelligence (EQ), adaptability, and creativity. These skills show that you’re able to problem-solve and work independently no matter the environment.
Don’t forget, AI is top of mind right now for many employers. “Familiarity with AI tools and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with technology will set you apart,” Kera said. So, make it a point to become proficient with AI this year through free skills courses or online platforms like Coursera. Becoming proficient with AI will not only bolster your resume but also make you more efficient in your role. After all, you can use it to create meeting plans, time-block your day, and assist in decision-making—all of which will streamline your workflow and boost productivity.
Strengthen your personal brand
Regardless of whether you’re a hardcore Instagram user, love making TikTok videos, or have a soft spot for Facebook, your digital presence is your personal brand. “Across industries, professional communities—both virtual and in-person—will play an increasingly critical role in connecting job seekers with opportunities, mentors, and peer networks,” Kera explained. “A compelling LinkedIn profile and online presence that highlights your expertise, problem-solving skills, and thought leadership is essential.” So focus on strengthening your personal brand this year.
“Companies are operating leaner teams, expecting employees to take on hybrid roles that blend technical expertise with interpersonal skills.”
Utilizing networking sites and creating a portfolio to showcase your work is the easiest way to do this. Once you’ve done that, Kera says you can engage with industry-specific groups to increase your visibility and credibility. “High-touch referrals and introductions within these communities will often outperform cold applications in an inefficient hiring market,” she explained.
The bottom line
From the sounds of it, the job market is looking up this year, and for that we’re thankful. While it still might take some time and determination to find the right role for you, we’re hoping that there will be less frustration among job seekers this year. Take this knowledge and let it inform how you search and evolve this year as a professional—will you explore different industries? Will you take an AI course? Remember, the market is evolving and so should you, so set your sights on honing in on your skills, adopting new ones, and having an open mind. All of these things will position you as a strong candidate for employers. The bottom line is this: Don’t be afraid to make a huge pivot, learn something new, advocate for your skills and worth, and seek out new opportunities. You never know what could happen this year.
Experts consulted
MEET THE EXPERT
Ashley Kera
Ashley Kera is the Founder & Principal Consultant of Kera Coaching & Consulting LLC, where she partners with organizations to align people strategies with business goals, solve complex challenges, and build high-performing and engaged teams. She has over a decade of experience in talent strategy, people operations, and program management. Known for creating transformative solutions, Ashley empowers leaders to navigate change, develop talent, and foster workplace cultures that drive growth, connection, and innovation.
MEET THE EXPERT
Chelsea Akers
Chelsea Akers is an optimization consultant and the cofounder and President of Level D&I Solutions, a people-solutions agency headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. In 2019, she became a Comspark 30 under 30 recipient. Chelsea is also a former guest lecturer for The Ohio State University’s Career Development Academy, and has served on the board for the University of Ashland for the Women in Leadership program.
MEET THE EXPERT
Luke Victor
Luke Victor is the Head of Talent at Cleo, a personal finance app harnessed by the power of AI assistance. His expertise includes technological recruitment, team management, strategic planning, and more, and has nearly 10 years’ experience working in the field.
MEET THE EXPERT
Catherine Fisher
Catherine Fisher, Global Marketing and Communications Leader, LinkedIn Career Expert, and author of the Career Companion Newsletter, leads integrated data and consumer communications in her role at LinkedIn. She is passionate about building and leading cross-functional teams that deliver business impact and providing people with the opportunity to continue to learn and grow in their career.
