As we move forward into a market still finding its feet, it’s time for employers to reassess and realign their expectations when it comes to hiring. The past year has been anything but traditional, and the impact on career paths, job stability, and candidate availability is undeniable. Businesses that adapt quickly and embrace this reality will be better positioned to secure the right talent for the road ahead.
A Year Like No Other
The past year has been characterised by uncertainty, adaptation, and survival. For many professionals, maintaining a steady career trajectory was not a realistic option. Jobs were lost, industries were disrupted, and for countless candidates, the focus shifted from long-term career planning to making it through the immediate challenges.
We’ve seen skilled professionals taking on fixed-term contracts, pivoting industries, and accepting roles that may not align perfectly with their previous career paths. It’s been a year of practicality over aspiration, and as we look to the future, it’s crucial that employers understand and appreciate the context behind these career decisions.
Expect the Messy
Gone are the days when a clean, linear career history was the gold standard. Employers must be prepared to see résumés that tell stories of resilience rather than smooth progression. Fixed-term contracts, short stints, and industry shifts aren’t red flags—they’re evidence of adaptability and determination.
Take, for example, a candidate who recently received a job offer in a sector they hadn’t previously considered. In a typical year, they might have hesitated, but in today’s climate, they took the opportunity—because survival sometimes means making choices that aren’t perfectly aligned with past experience or long-term goals. For employers, the lesson is clear: focus less on how candidates got here and more on the skills and resilience they’ve demonstrated along the way.
One of the most significant trends we’ve observed is a decrease in tenure. Professionals who once stayed with employers for years have moved more frequently, driven by redundancies, contract roles, and a need for financial stability. This trend is likely to continue, especially as the market remains in flux.
Employers must recalibrate their expectations around tenure. A résumé with multiple roles over a short period isn’t necessarily a sign of flightiness—it can reflect a candidate’s ability to adapt, learn quickly, and stay productive despite a turbulent market. Embracing this reality will be essential to accessing the full spectrum of available talent.
The market will recover—history has shown us that. However, the rebound will not immediately restore the employment norms we once knew. When the boom comes, businesses that have embraced the ‘messy’ reality of today’s market will have a significant advantage. By recognising the value in diverse, non-linear career paths, these employers will build teams that are not only skilled but also incredibly resilient.