Our top five industry predictions for 2024

With 2024 well on it’s way, we’re sharing our predictions for recruiting and talent next year.

We’ll update this list as we move throughout the year, but our top five predictions include:

1. AI and Machine Learning are going to revolutionize hiring.

When we ran our own poll on LinkedIn a few months ago, 45% of hiring managers said they were using AI. In 2023, we saw companies like Microsoft using AI to chat with candidates, or tools like LinkedIn Recruiter personalize messages to great fit candidates. But in 2024, we think we’ll see a switch to even more paid tools that make screening, scheduling and assessments more efficient. Talent Acquisition teams will need to make serious investments in AI tools, or look for software that already has these capabilities.

2. Executive + C-Suite hiring is going to spike.

In September, we asked our followers if they thought executive hiring was on the rise. 26% said it had already started, with another 49% saying they believed it would start in Q1. 2023 was a whirlwind year for many companies, where we saw large corporate layoffs continue. 2024 will be a year to rebuild, and rehire or replace executive leaders who were at the helm of cuts.  

3. We will see even more of a return to the office in 2024.

The hybrid vs. remote vs. in-person debate has been going on for YEARS – but our team started to see hybrid roles become even more popular in the second half of 2023 and we expect this trend to continue into 2024.

When our clients explain their desire for a hybrid workforce, we often hear them talk about:

1. They want employees in the same city so people can meet when needed

2. They’re working on hardware or physical products that need a large space

3. They’re working on difficult problems with large data sets, which requires a level of collaboration beyond Zoom

According to LinkedIn, 18% of total professionals work in a hybrid environment: 20% of Millennials, 17% of Gen X, and 15% of Baby Boomers. We predict this will increase over time, as more remote roles convert into hybrid ones in major hubs.

4. Top candidates are going to want to work at smaller companies.

81% of our followers want to work at companies with less than 1000 employees, and 50% want to work at companies with fewer than 100. That’s a major shift from the not-so-long-ago days when a Fortune 500 company or Big Tech was the top choice for college grads.

5. The job market won’t be as tight as it was in 2021, but top candidates will still have multiple options.

There’s still a lot of opportunity for top candidates, especially those with in-demand skills like Machine Learning, Data Science, Heads of engineering functions, or other leadership roles.

What are some of your predictions for what 2024 will bring?