Recruitment Market Trends (2025)

  • Employers are competing not just on salary, but on flexibility, purpose, and culture.
  • Passive candidates (those not actively job-hunting) are often the highest-quality and require outreach through branding and engagement, meaning recruitment agencies are often used to help find such candidates for difficult to fill vacancies.
  • AI tools are increasingly used for resume screening, chatbots, interview scheduling, and predictive hiring analytics.
  • Recruitment automation is speeding up hiring but is requiring balance to keep the process human and personalised.
  • Some companies are moving away from degree requirements and focusing more on skills, portfolios, and experience.
  • A Push back to the office, or at least Hybrid working. A real sense of some negativity against this with candidates wanting flexibility.
  • DEI remains a top priority. Candidates expect companies to show real action, not just statements.
  • Recruiters are now using data to optimise sourcing, improve candidate experience, and reduce time-to-hire.

If you would like any further information about recruitment trends, salary surveys or any further information, do reach out – contactus@dicksonobrien.co.uk