It’s 2025, are you trying to look for a job? Are you trying to find better opportunities? Are you thinking of shifting careers?

Job hunting and application have evolved through the years. With this, there are a lot of changes that might surprise you while you try to find a job or career opportunity. To prepare you for that, we’ve listed down some job hunt trends that you need to know this 2025 to make sure you are well-prepared and stand out in your job application.

Job application trends this 2025

1. Recruiters are using AI

Are you using ChatGPT in your resume? Are you using AI in finding and filtering job applications? Well, you are not alone. More and more recruiters and companies are using artificial intelligence (AI) in searching, filtering, and processing candidates.

What this means is that they are using AI-driven applicant tracking systems to scan thousands of resumes for specific keywords and qualifications. This new way of filtering applicants gives recruiters more focused time to see who really fits the job. 

Now, to improve your chances of passing in this type of filtering test, you need to make sure that your resume includes relevant keywords that are found in the recruiter’s job description. You also need to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. 

Also, beware of using too much AI on your resume or cover letter. Many AI-filter systems filter out AI-generated content. So make sure to be as authentic as possible in your resume.    

2. Skills are more important

In the past, your chances of getting hired were high if you finished a Bachelor Degree. But today, recruiters are more particular in your set of skills rather than formal education. During interviews, they may focus more on your skills and hands-on experiences. In fact, industries in technology, marketing, and finance are hiring based on experiences and skills. 

If you are a fresh graduate, it is worth the investment to create projects that would highlight your skills or take on-the-job training (OJT) that will expose you to hands-on experiences. For professionals looking for other opportunities, you may want to skip elaborating your formal education on your resume and highlight more your previous projects and work experiences. 

3. Remote and hybrid work will continue

People have shifted to the new forms of work after the pandemic. Today, a lot of companies are allowing their employees to work from home full time as well as go to the office from time to time (hybrid set-up). If you are a fresh graduate looking for opportunities, this may be a little new to you. On the other hand, if you are a seasoned professional, you may find these set-ups more convenient.

Depending on your preference, you need to identify the type of working conditions you are more productive with when finding a company. During the interview, it is best to ask your recruiter about the working set up to set expectations properly. 

4. Don’t ignore your personal branding

Your CV is not enough. With thousands of people looking for jobs, you need to ace your game. You need to put effort and time in building your brand. Take time in setting up your LinkedIn page and updating it with the right content that matches your industry. This will help you establish your expertise in your field. So when recruiters search you up on the internet, they will see cohesiveness in your branding and CV.  

5. Soft skills are also important

Yes, technical skills are very critical, but if you don’t know how to communicate properly, don’t have a team player attitude, and are having a hard time making decisions, then recruiters may prefer a candidate who has both technical expertise and soft skills. 

So if you want to ace a job interview this 2025, make sure you also excel in soft skills like adaptability, communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking among others. 

6. Learn to network

There are a lot of opportunities in networking. It can expand your job search. So learn to network with your previous colleagues, teachers, schoolmates, and friends, among others. It is also wise to connect on social media with people in your industry or with the same profession. You can also attend social or networking events that can give you opportunities to meet other people. 

7. Freelancing will rise

More and more professionals are turning to freelancing and short-term contracts. And more and more companies are considering this as it can be more cost-effective. If you are a job seeker, you may want to expand your options by exploring freelance platforms. Getting freelance gigs can also help you build your credentials and skills. It can also widen your work experience. On the other hand, there are employers who don’t want to hire full-time candidates who have projects on the side. So make sure to set proper expectations during interviews to avoid conflict. 

8. Learn to do a video resume

In this day and age, a plain CV is not enough to make you stand out. If you want to stand out from the crowd you have to visually present yourself with recruiters. Visually, meaning, video resume. This video resume is your key to get ahead. Since most recruiters only have the CV as a reference, a video resume can give them more idea of what kind of candidate you are. A video resume can also show your efforts and how passionate you are in applying. 

9. Salary transparency

Salary is one of the most uncomfortable topics in any interview. But it is the most important one. This 2025, salary transparency will become a standard. This is to help recruiters and candidates to set proper expectations as well as easily filter out the right candidate for the role. More job platforms too are very transparent with salaries. They often include it in the job descriptions to attract potential candidates. 

As a candidate, you should research and be aware of the industry standard when it comes to your salary so you can easily negotiate with recruiters. 

10. Job application is faster but more competitive

Unlike in the past, you need to go to the company to submit your resume and wait for a call for an interview. Now, with just a single click, you can apply for a job, and for a few minutes, receive a call for an interview, and after a day or two, you’ll easily know if you get the job. It is fast. However, it can be competitive. Since the application process has been streamlined, it opened a lot of chances and opportunities for other people to try. So you might be competing with hundreds of applicants for a single role. So you need to be well-prepared. It may be easy applying but the odds can be a little bit steep. 

Looking for a job?

The job market is changing fast. And candidates should adapt too. That is why we at MDM Systems, connect job seekers with the top opportunities in BPO, customer service, IT, marketing, finance, and more. We help you find the right and stable career. Check out our latest job openings and send your resume today to explore potential opportunities – https://mdmsystems.net.au/recruitment/