👋 Welcome back!
Ever made a New Year's resolution you actually kept?
Well, HR leaders are making some big ones 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!
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— 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
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NEWS
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 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.
NUMBERS
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.
INDUSTRY INTEL
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LAYOFFS
A NOTE FROM TEAM TALIVITY
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:
Your actions, whether through donations, volunteering, or fostering, can make a world of difference. Let’s come together to rebuild lives and strengthen our community.