--- title: 🗓️ The 6-month search description: "HR leaders set bold 2025 goals, prioritizing humane hiring practices and \"culture add\" over culture fit to improve job search experiences as white-collar job hunts hit six-month mark." image: https://weekly.talivity.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/V2-1.png --- [Skip to content](https://weekly.talivity.com/the-6-month-search#main-content) [![The Talivity Weekly - left justify@300x](https://weekly.talivity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/talivity/logos/The%20Talivity%20Weekly%20-%20left%20justify@300x.png?width=250&height=52&name=The%20Talivity%20Weekly%20-%20left%20justify@300x.png "The Talivity Weekly - left justify@300x")](https://www.talivity.com/) - [Subscribe](https://resources.talivity.com/newsletters) # 🗓️ The 6-month search by [Admin](https://weekly.talivity.com/author/admin) on January 9, 2025   - [Subscribe to This Newsletter](https://resources.talivity.com/newsletters) 👋 Welcome back! Ever made a New Year's resolution you actually kept? Well, HR leaders [are making some big ones](https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2024/12/20/hr-2025-ditch-bad-recruiting-habits) for 2025, and "stop ghosting candidates" is at the top of the list. That's right — the industry that coined "quiet quitting" is ready to get loud about better recruiting practices. From ditching rigid assessment tests to rethinking "culture fit," HR leaders are calling for a major mindset shift. And the timing couldn't be better. With job searches now stretching longer than a Netflix binge-watching session (we're talking 6+ months), maybe it's time we all resolved to make the hiring process a little more human.  Here's a thought to kick off 2025: Companies should embrace "culture add" over culture fit — prioritizing candidates who bring new perspectives that enhance and evolve company culture. And… maybe standardized assessments aren't the golden ticket we thought they were? Some people are good test takers, and others are not. Perhaps it's time we found better ways to evaluate talent. Got questions? Comments? A recruiting resolution of your own? Hit reply — we'd love to hear from you! Is your HR tech stack ready for 2025? For the new year, are you focused on the right tools and the right people to hit your 2025 goals? It’s time to build your dream HR tech stack! Start by filling out a [quick assessment](https://members.talivity.com/fasttrack?utm_source=Newsletter_Weekly&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=RFP) to receive a free custom report with tailored recommendations for tech alternatives and growth opportunities for your business. **— Team Talivity** ✨   Today’s edition is a 4-minute read. Here’s what to expect👇 *🗞️ White-collar job searches hit 6-month mark* *🌎️ Dutch HR tech Salure acquires BvB Group* *💰️ $4.1B later, Paycor is Paychex’s latest flex in HR tech* *💼 Layoffs at Washington Post, Bench* *💻 TA roles at Soni, Scale AI * Did someone forward you this email? [Sign up here](https://resources.talivity.com/newsletters) 📥️   **NEWS** ## **One Thing You Should Know This Week ** WSJ: White-Collar Workers Face Longest Job Hunt in Recent History [![NL_image-3](https://weekly.talivity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/NL_image-3.png?width=533&height=267&name=NL_image-3.png)](https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/job-search-workers-unemployment-months-5a4cfcee?mod=economy_lead_pos5) The job market might be adding positions, but for white-collar workers, landing one is taking longer than ever. According to new data from the U.S. Labor Department, the average job search now stretches to six months — a full month longer than during the post-pandemic hiring boom. 🖼️ **The big picture.** While the economy added over 2 million jobs last year, the hiring landscape is showing some concerning shifts. The Wall Street Journal [reported more than 1.6 million jobless workers](https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/job-search-workers-unemployment-months-5a4cfcee?mod=economy_lead_pos5) have been searching for 6+ months – a 50% increase since late 2022. The jobs gap is particularly pronounced in white-collar sectors, where companies that grew rapidly post-pandemic are now tightening their belts. 🧮 By the numbers: - 7 million Americans currently unemployed - 1.6 million in extended job searches (6+ months or longer) - 1:1 ratio of job postings to unemployed workers (down from 2:1 in 2022) - 4% current wage growth (down from 6% during hiring peak) - 20% decrease in tech job postings from pre-pandemic levels 💼** What this means for TAs.** The extended job search timeline is reshaping recruitment strategies for industries across the board. With candidate pools growing and searches lengthening, recruiters must adapt to a new normal: one that demands stronger talent pipelines, especially in resilient sectors like healthcare and government. The focus should shift toward quality over quantity in job postings, with clear candidate communication becoming non-negotiable. Smart recruiters are already turning toward internal mobility solutions, recognizing that the next perfect hire might already be on payroll – especially as traditional hiring channels show signs of slowing down. 👔** What this means for job seekers.** The days of quick job switches are fading, requiring a complete strategy overhaul for today's job seekers. Success in this market demands more than just polished resumes and LinkedIn profiles – it requires strategic industry pivots, realistic compensation expectations, and robust professional networks. The new reality is grim: despite applying to hundreds of roles, even at 1 AM, rejections often come within hours. So, it's vital for job seekers to think beyond traditional roles and sectors, considering similar industries where their skills might transfer more readily. 🔮** Looking ahead.** While the labor market remains technically healthy at 4.2% unemployment, warning signs are flashing. Economists warn that once companies start reducing payrolls, job cuts often snowball quickly. Two sectors – healthcare and government – now account for over half (!!!) of all new jobs. The path forward is clear: whether you're hiring or hunting, adaptability is key. Companies and candidates alike need to embrace a market that demands more patience and persistence than ever before. Success in 2025 will require patience, strategic thinking, and maybe a dash of creativity. **📥️ Read more at [the Wall Street Journal.](https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/job-search-workers-unemployment-months-5a4cfcee?mod=economy_lead_pos5)**   **NUMBERS** ## **Numbers That’ll Make You Think** - **77%** – Of **S&P 500** companies tied executive incentive plans to at least one environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metric in 2024. Looks like going green is bringing in the green... ([HR Brew](https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2025/01/02/over-75-of-s-and-p-500-companies-in-the-us-tie-executive-incentive-plans-to-esg-metrics)) - **50%** – Of HR leaders praise their mobility programs, while 23% of employees wonder if "internal mobility" is just corporate speak for musical chairs… ([HR Brew](https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2024/12/20/hr-2025-ditch-bad-recruiting-habits)) - **2.7%** – Unemployment rate in the **Hartford** area, the lowest among large US metros. ([Staffing Industry](https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/connecticut-metro-area-posts-lowest-jobless-rate-in-november)) - **2%** – Rise in US worker productivity in Q3 2024 – the fifth straight quarter above 2%. Turns out we can work smarter *and* harder... ([Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/worker-productivity-america-growing-36f4c90c?mod=economy_feat2_jobs_pos2)) - **46%** – Of management and business operations employees working remotely at least part-time, up from 41% last year. The office isn't dead – it's just more flexible. ([Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/job-search-return-to-office-remote-work-raises-promotions-2025-1)) - **$100M** – The amount **Southwest Airlines** faces in lawsuit damages for allegedly ignoring weekly pay rules. That's a lot of boarding passes… pay your employees. ([HR Dive](https://www.hrdive.com/news/southwest-lawsuit-new-york-weekly-pay-rules/736358/))   **Events** ## Get Ready for Hacking Hiring 2025! [![Hacking Hiring](https://weekly.talivity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/News.png?width=576&height=277&name=News.png)](https://hackinghiring.com) Mark your calendar for February 11–13, 2025 for a 3-day virtual event packed with strategies to attract, engage, and retain Gen Z talent. Learn how to build trust, streamline HR tech, and amplify your brand. [**👉️ Secure your free spot today.**](https://hackinghiring.com/?utm_source=Newsletter_Weekly&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=HH202) --- **INDUSTRY INTEL** ## M&A Deals, Industry Moves, & Other Things To Know - Software giant **Harris Computer** acquires staffing software provider **Coats**, expanding its vertical market footprint and proving even software needs a new outfit sometimes. ([Staffing Industry](https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/harris-acquires-staffing-software-firm-coats)) - Paycor joins Team Paychex – because $4.1B talks louder than words. ([HR Tech Feed](https://hrtechfeed.com/its-official-paychex-enters-into-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-paycor/)) - Dutch HR tech firm **Salure** says "ja" to acquiring **BvB Group**, strengthening its position in HR and payroll solutions. The new dress code is wooden clogs optional. ([Silicon Canals)](https://siliconcanals.com/salur-acquires-bvb-group/) - Tech platform[**Employer.com**](http://employer.com/) rescues **Bench Accounting** from sudden shutdown, preserving services for thousands of small businesses. ([The Albertan](https://www.thealbertan.com/science-news/vancouvers-bench-accounting-to-be-acquired-by-california-based-hr-tech-company-10016514)) - The old school approach is getting a modern makeover with more companies increasingly turning to apprenticeships to fill talent gaps and reach new communities. ([HR Dive](https://www.hrdive.com/news/employers-turn-to-apprenticeships-to-fill-talent-gaps/736394/))   **OPEN ROLES** ## **Jobs You Might Want (For Yourself!)** - Recruitment agency **Soni** is hiring an [Executive Recruiter](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1643853-executive-recruiter) based hybrid in Philadelphia, PA - Recruitment firm **Coda Search** is hiring a [Recruiter](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1643855-full-desk-permanent-placement-recruiter) based hybrid in Atlanta, GA - IT staffing company **Apex Systems** is hiring a [Recruiter](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1643951-technical-recruiter) based hybrid in Dallas, TX - Staffing firm **Insight Global** is hiring a [Sourcing Specialist](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1643859-sourcing-specialist) based hybrid in Schenectady, NY - IT recruitment firm **GlobalSource IT** is hiring a [Technical Recruiter](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1643860-technical-recruiter) based hybrid in Milwaukee, WI - AI technology company **Scale AI** is hiring an [Executive Recruiter](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1643861-executive-recruiter) based hybrid in San Francisco, CA *For more of these roles delivered to your inbox every Monday, subscribe to the **Talivity Jobs** newsletter by clicking [here](https://resources.talivity.com/talent-jobs). For a full list of open roles, head over to ourjob board by clicking [here](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=wfh-vs-cold-hard-cash).* **LAYOFFS** ## **Places For You To Source Fresh Talent** - Benefits provider **Level** shutters operations after failed acquisition deal, impacting employee coverage through 2025. ([PYMNTS](https://www.pymnts.com/acquisitions/2025/report-benefits-startup-level-shuts-down-after-acquisition-falls-through)) - Pediatric startup **Brave Care** closes Portland operations permanently, ending local healthcare services. ([Oregon Live](https://www.oregonlive.com/health/2024/12/portland-pediatrics-startup-brave-care-shutters-permanently.html)) - Accounting platform **Bench** abruptly shuts down, stranding 35,000 businesses without access to financial records until March 2025. ([TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/27/bench-shuts-down-leaving-thousands-of-businesses-without-access-to-accounting-and-tax-docs/?guccounter=1)) - Aviation innovator **Lilium** halts operations, cuts 1,000 jobs after failing to secure new funding round. ([TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/23/electric-aircraft-startup-lilium-ceases-operations-1000-workers-laid-off/)) - Media giant **Washington Post** prepares for "many dozens" of layoffs in its business division amid newsroom exodus. ([NY Post](https://nypost.com/2025/01/06/media/washington-post-expected-to-lay-off-many-dozens-amid-top-exits-report/)) ---   A NOTE FROM TEAM TALIVITY   ## Support LA Wildfire Relief Efforts The devastating LA wildfires have left countless families and pets in urgent need of assistance. At Talivity, this cause hits close to home. Many of our employees, clients, vendors, partners, family, and friends are directly impacted by this disaster. Here’s how we can help together: - Donate to the LA Wildfire Disaster Relief & Talent Mobilization[here](https://americanredcross.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=12040) to fund critical aid. - Volunteer with the American Red Cross, whose teams are urgently needed to assist displaced families. Aside from firefighters battling the blaze, Red Cross volunteers are the primary responders providing on-the-ground relief. Sign up[here](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1646591-disaster-action-team-volunteerhelp-with-the-la-wildfires-response). - Foster pets impacted by the wildfires to provide safety and comfort during their recovery with Canine Rescue Club[here](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1646603-dog-fostering-for-dogs-impacted-by-the-california-wildfires). Your actions, whether through donations, volunteering, or fostering, can make a world of difference. 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