Uncover the latest HR trends shaping the recruitment landscape in 2025 and learn how to stay ahead of the competition using data from our latest Candidate Insights Report. We've shared some highlights from the report below - for all the details, download the report in full here.
Understanding candidates' career intentions
In our 2025 Candidate Insights Report, we surveyed 7,000 candidates to understand their career intentions across various generations. The data revealed that Generation Y is the most ambitious, with 52% strongly agreeing that they are interested in 'climbing the career ladder'. On the flip side, Generation Z shows a notable interest in exploring different professions, with 32% strongly agreeing.
Understanding these generational differences is crucial for tailoring your recruitment strategies.
The impact of external influences on job seekers
External factors such as environmental issues are increasingly influencing candidates' career choices. Our insights show that 61% of Gen Z are interested in environmental issues and this is something businesses cannot afford to ignore.
In addition, 75% of candidates have expressed that climate change is having a positive influence on their career plans. This is particularly evident in sectors like Agriculture and Conservation, where environmental concerns significantly influence career decisions.
AI in recruitment: threat or enabler?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment is a hot topic, with mixed opinions among professionals. Our report shows that 42% believe AI will replace jobs in their area, while 39% do not. However, AI is generally viewed as an enabler, especially in enhancing productivity and creating new job opportunities.
For example, IKEA successfully retrained over 8,500 call centre staff to become design advisers, while handling a significant portion of customer calls through AI. This highlights the potential of AI to transform roles rather than replace them entirely.
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Key factors driving candidate movement
The primary reasons for job seeking include career progression (42%), career change (16%), and gaining employment after being unemployed (16%). These factors have remained consistent compared to our Summer 2024 Candidate Insights report.
Sector-specific trends also emerged, with candidates from all sectors prioritising career progression, while those in Blue Light Services showed a high tendency to seek a career change. Understanding these motivators can help tailor your recruitment efforts to attract the right talent.
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Enhancing the application experience for success
A seamless application experience is critical for attracting the best talent for your organisation. Our data shows that shorter application times lead to higher submission rates, with the Automotive sector seeing the highest success for applications taking less than 5 minutes to complete.
Also, making sure your application process is mobile-friendly is crucial, as 72% of candidates favour applying via mobile devices. By streamlining the application process and utilising automated screening tools, you can elevate the candidate experience and boost recruitment results.