The hiring landscape in 2025 is more competitive, tech-driven, and candidate-focused than ever before. For employers, your hiring processes, tech stack, and candidate experience need to be aligned with evolving expectations.
Below we've curated some of the top findings from Employ's 2025 Jobseeker Insights Report. If you're trying to make sense of these trends or struggling to adapt your processes, our Certified JazzHR Experts are here to help. From optimizing your hiring workflows to implementing automation and streamlining candidate communications, we bring deep expertise in building scalable, candidate-friendly solutions.
Start with a JazzHR Expert Discovery Call
Our trusted advisors can help identify the right JazzHR Expert solution for your hiring team.
Candidate Sentiment & Market Perception
- 66% of job seekers report burnout from the job search process.
- 44% of candidates believe it's easy to find a new job (down from 50% in 2024).
- 56% are confident they could land a new job within 3 months (down from 61%).
- 56% believe the current job market still favors candidates.
- 82% are concerned about a "white-collar recession."
JazzHR Expert Tip
Burned-out candidates expect clarity, speed, and a human-centered process.
Streamlining your hiring stages and communication templates within JazzHR can directly improve candidate experience.
AI in the Job Search
- 31% of candidates are using AI to support their job search (up 7 percentage points from last year).
- AI usage is highest among:
- Technology/software/IT candidates: 50%
- Finance/insurance/accounting candidates: 47%
- 58% of job seekers trust HR professionals more than AI for navigating the hiring process.
- 61% believe AI has potential to reduce hiring bias.
Why Candidates Leave Jobs (or Stay Open to New Ones)
- 82% are satisfied with their current role.
- 85% are still open to other opportunities.
- 42% are actively looking for a new job.
Top reasons for job searching (aside from compensation):
- 53% want career advancement
- 46% want more flexibility or remote work
- 33% cited better leadership as a motivator
- 32% are looking for stronger company culture
What Candidates Value Most in 2025
- 20% would decline a job that required full-time, on-site work.
- 63% say remote work is at least “somewhat important” when evaluating job offers.
- 36% left a job in the first 90 days due to a mismatch between the hiring process and the actual role.
- 40% of candidates who declined a job offer cited limited advancement or geographic location.
JazzHR Expert Tip
Use JazzHR’s custom workflows and automated follow-up emails to set expectations early. Transparency is a competitive advantage.
What Makes Candidates Say Yes (or No) During the Hiring Process
- 71% expect the application to take less than 30 minutes.
- 35% will abandon an application if it takes too long.
- 43% say the ease of the application process is the #1 factor influencing their impression of an employer.
- 66% of candidates who engaged with a chatbot say it improved their experience.
Salary Expectations and Negotiation Trends
- 80% said their most recent salary offer met or exceeded expectations.
- 48% have noticed increased salaries for similar roles.
- 37% negotiated their salary (up from 29% in 2017).
- In nearly 80% of salary negotiations, candidates secured a pay increase.
- Two-thirds of those increases ranged between 5–10%.
Takeaway: Put People First to Win in 2025
Across every category - burnout, expectations, flexibility, and compensation - candidates are telling us they want speed, clarity, and empathy. These are the same qualities your hiring process should reflect.
If you’re unsure where to start, or your current tools aren’t cutting it, talk to a certified expert.
Start with a JazzHR Expert Discovery Call
Our trusted advisors can help identify the right JazzHR Expert solution for your hiring team.
