The 8 Key Job Search Trends of 2024

If you’re gearing up for a job search in 2024, keeping an eye on the latest trends in job hunting can help you get an idea of what’s changing and why — and also give you a competitive edge over other candidates.

Here are the 8 most important job search trends to watch for this year:

1. AI is the new matchmaker in job searching

With a reported 99% of Fortune 500 companies already using AI in recruitment, the trend is clear: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an essential tool in the hiring process.

In fact, a 2024 Workday report found that 70% of people leaders consider AI crucial for HR success over the next five years, especially on candidate matching and AI-driven career pathing.

AI isn’t just being used by HR and business leaders either. Both job seekers and recruiters are now using AI tools to save time and boost productivity. For instance, job seekers are using it to generate cover letters and resumes, and LinkedIn recruiters are creating job ads with ChatGPT.

But while AI promises to bring important benefits — from more accurate job matching to reducing racial bias in hiring — it also has its downsides.

For example, AI-generated resume and cover letter content can be too generic and contain false information which might get you in trouble during an interview. A lack of human judgment could also lead to poor hiring decisions, and research shows that AI tools can actually learn and encourage these biases rather than eliminate them.

2. Remote and hybrid opportunities are becoming more competitive

Although remote and hybrid job opportunities continue to attract significant interest, more return-to-office policies mean that these opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce.

Buffer’s 2023 Global State of Work Report suggests that 98% of people want to work remotely at least some of the time, with 26 to 41-year-olds being the most interested in remote work in the US, and those aged 42–57 close behind.

Since working remotely requires a diverse skill set (e.g., adaptability, good work ethic, tech literacy), you’ll have to showcase these skills to show you’re comfortable with this new shift.

3. Data literacy and tech-savviness are must-have skills

Being tech-savvy and knowing how to navigate new tools and software is now a non-negotiable for most jobs.

For example, there’s recently been a surge in skills requirements in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) applications, advanced data analytics platforms, and cloud computing services. These skills represent the next level of tech know-how and go beyond standard tools like using email platforms and spreadsheets.

In fact, a Resume Genius study showed that 42% of hiring managers believe IT, software development, data analysis, and project management are the most critical skills to help future job seekers succeed.

As a result, hiring managers are on the lookout for professionals who:

• are already skilled in these areas and can immediately contribute to a workplace
• may not be experts but are highly familiar with technology in general and have a proven track record of quickly adapting to new tools and systems

IBM is one of many companies that recently introduced skills-based hiring, which involves hiring candidates for their specific skill sets and completely ignoring their educational background.

This hiring method shows that no matter what your current experience and background is, developing data literacy and technical know-how are key to securing promising career opportunities in 2024.

4. Social media is an increasingly helpful tool for job hunting

86% of job seekers now use social media in their job search — ranking as the third best way to find new jobs after job boards and employee referrals.

There’s also been a shift toward leveraging social platforms to land career opportunities by posting relevant content and building a personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or X (Twitter). Refining your social profiles can help you develop authority as an expert in your industry and impress potential employers.

Employers also increasingly post jobs on social platforms, so it’s ideal to be on these platforms to increase your odds of finding great opportunities.

5. Employees want more than just a paycheck

The American Staffing Association (ASA) reveals that 80% of US adults view opportunities for professional development and training as important when accepting a new job. This pattern means that modern employers must offer more than basic salary and benefits to attract and retain top candidates.

Development programs help employees improve their skills. They might include:

• Training
• Learning and courses
• Coaching
• Mentoring

As well as boosting employee satisfaction, offering development opportunities can increase motivation, productivity, and even profitability. And when it comes time to move onto the next opportunity, employees who are given time to develop skills become more attractive to future employers and should find it easier to increase their salary in the future.

6. Job applicants want to find a workplace that resonates with their values

More than ever before, there’s a noticeable trend among a segment of job seekers who are prioritizing company culture and values in their employment search.

A workforce survey by CNBC and Momentive supports this, revealing that 40% of workers would consider quitting their jobs if their values openly didn’t align with their employer’s.

Ways to reduce burnout and create more appealing work environments for employees is a hot topic in the news recently.

For example, some companies have recently trialed new work models like the 4-day work week and the 9/80 work week, which offer shorter and more flexible working hours.

7. Side hustles are the new norm

According to Bankrate, 39% of US adults have a side hustle. A growing trend is that more workers are finding alternative ways to make additional income, find more fulfillment alongside work, and become more financially secure.

Job seekers may also enter into temporary, flexible, or freelance work while they’re searching for a full-time role.

Building a side hustle doesn’t only bring in more money. Enhancing skills can make job seekers more attractive to potential employers too as it shows they have good time management skills and self-motivation to do more than one job at a time.

Popular side hustles among job seekers might include:

• offering existing skills in a freelance capacity (e.g., providing digital marketing, design, copywriting services)
• content creation and influencing: building an audience on social media platforms (e.g., YouTube) and making money through brand deals, ads, and affiliate marketing
• selling products online (e.g., sourcing or hand-making products and selling them on marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy)

8. There’s even more of an emphasis on soft skills

With growing numbers of flexible, remote, and hybrid positions, soft skills like clear communication, teamwork, and time management are vital for these different types of workplace environments.

Also, with AI taking over a lot of manual work, soft skills are gaining importance because employers need creative, adaptable individuals to leverage and work well together with this technology.

Employers are also looking for employees with leadership skills and emotional intelligence.

For instance, Dominique Vatin, Career Expert at Resume Genius, said that companies today are looking for job applicants who aren’t only convincing — but also kind and empathetic. She says,

I always advise job seekers to showcase their emotional intelligence by actively listening and responding thoughtfully not only during interviews, but in all of their professional communications. Whether it’s a cover letter, reaching out over LinkedIn, or networking at an event, tailoring your communication style to different audiences while remaining authentic and open towards others demonstrates an ability to empathize and adapt, which are all key components of emotional intelligence.

Dominique Vatin, CPRW and Career Expert at Resume Genius

Sources

About Resume Genius

Since 2009, Resume Genius has combined innovative technology with leading industry expertise to simplify the job hunt for people of all backgrounds and levels of experience.

Resume Genius’s easy-to-use resume builder and wide range of free career resources, including resume templates, cover letter samples, and resume writing guides, help job seekers find fulfilling work and reach their career goals. Resume Genius is led by a team of dedicated career advisors and HR experts and has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, CNBC, and Business Insider.

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