The job market is unpredictable, can be full of red flags, and is changing faster than you can keep up with. One minute, your industry is crying out for talent, and the next, it's a ghost town. So, how do you keep up with the chaos and actually land the right job (or hire the right people)?

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The Job Market is a Rollercoaster—Strap In

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that industries go through hiring booms and hiring freezes. Tech jobs? One minute they’re golden, the next, companies are making mass layoffs. Hospitality? It’s either desperate for workers or drowning in applications.

The key is staying ahead of the trends. If you’re in an industry that’s booming, great — but don’t get complacent. If things are slowing down, start upskilling before you’re forced to. And if you’re hiring? Be realistic — if you wait too long to make a decision, someone else will snap up that top candidate while you’re still “considering your options.”

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2. Skills Are the New Currency

Employers are looking for practical skills that make an immediate impact.

If your CV still just says “hardworking” and “team player” (like 90% of CVs out there), you need to rethink your approach. Showcase your real skills, real achievements, and the actual value you bring. If you’re job-hunting, be proactive — take an online course, volunteer, or start a side project to stay competitive.

If you’re hiring, stop fixating on whether someone has the “perfect” background and start looking at potential. The best candidates might not tick every box, but if they’ve got the right mindset and the ability to learn, they’re worth taking a chance on.

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3. Remote Work: Here to Stay (Sort of)

The pandemic changed the game, and while some companies are desperately trying to drag employees back to the office, remote and hybrid work aren’t going anywhere. If a role doesn’t offer flexibility, expect to lose candidates to companies that do.

That being said, some businesses are still old-school and clinging to the “bums on seats” mentality. If you’re job-hunting, be clear on what works for you—fully remote? Hybrid? Office-based? And if you’re hiring, be honest: is remote work actually an option, or will you start guilt-tripping employees back into the office after three months?

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4. AI: Your New Best Friend (or Worst Enemy?)

AI is revolutionising industries. From automating admin tasks to screening CVs, it’s making some jobs easier — and making some completely obsolete. If you’re ignoring AI, you’re falling behind.

For job seekers, this means learning how to use AI tools to your advantage — whether that’s improving efficiency, learning new skills, or streamlining your job search. For employers, it means integrating AI without dehumanising the hiring process. Nobody wants to feel like they’re being rejected by a robot.

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5. The Hidden Job Market is Real

Not all jobs are posted online. In fact, some of the best opportunities come through networking, referrals, or working with a recruitment agency (cough VANRATH cough). If you’re relying solely on job boards, you’re only seeing half the picture.

Connect with people in your industry, attend events, and don’t be afraid to slide into LinkedIn DMs. And if you want access to the jobs that aren’t even advertised yet, work with a recruiter—we know where the real opportunities are hiding.

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How VANRATH Can Help

At VANRATH, we don’t just throw job listings at you and hope for the best. We actually get to know you—whether you’re a job seeker looking for the next big opportunity or an employer trying to find top-tier talent.

The job market might be wild, but with the right guidance, you can navigate it a lot easier.

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Adapt or get left behind—that’s the reality of today’s job market.

Stay informed, keep developing your skills, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box when looking for opportunities. And if you need a bit of guidance? You know where to find us.

Now, go update your LinkedIn profile and make some moves.