Welcome back to The Recruiting Radar!

January is officially in the books! This edition of The Recruiting Radar recaps key trends and insights from the first month of 2025 to help you stay ahead in the evolving job market. We’re diving into what job seekers prioritized this month based on our LinkedIn polls, breaking down the top hiring trends shaping the year ahead, and sharing expert insights on C-suite hiring.?

As hiring activity picks up in the new year, we also want to remind our community to stay vigilant against recruiting scams. Unfortunately, fraudulent recruiters posing as industry professionals continue to target job seekers. Blue Signal recruiters will only contact you through official company channels—we will never ask for payment or personal financial information. If something feels off, trust your instincts and verify directly with our team.?

Before we jump into January’s insights, we have some exciting news to share…?

?? Special Announcement:?

Blue Signal has been nominated as a Top Staffing Company to Work For in 2025 for the World Staffing Awards presented by Candidately !?

This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our team. For the third year in a row, we’ve been included among the top companies making a real impact in the staffing industry. But what makes this year even more special is that our CEO Matt Walsh and SVP, Recruiting & Head of Client Development Ryan Walsh have been nominated for Top Staffing Leaders, and several of our recruiters are up for Top Staffing Recruiters.?

None of this would be possible without the trust and support of our clients, candidates, and colleagues. If Blue Signal has made a difference in your hiring process or career journey, we would truly appreciate your vote!?

?? Vote for Blue Signal as a Top Staffing Company: Vote here?

?? Vote for Top Staffing Leaders: Vote here?

?? Vote for Top Staffing Recruiters: Vote here?

We are grateful for the opportunity to do what we love every day—helping people and businesses succeed. Thank you for being part of our journey and for making this recognition possible!?

?? Industry Insights:?

January Jobs Report?

The first Employment Situation Report of 2025 shows steady job growth, with 143,000 jobs added in January and the unemployment rate edging down to 4.0%. Gains were led by healthcare (+44,000), retail trade (+34,000),?government (+32,000), and social assistance (+22,000), while mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction lost 8,000 jobs.?

Healthcare saw increases across hospitals (+14,000), nursing and residential care facilities (+13,000), and home healthcare services (+11,000). Retail trade grew, with general merchandise retailers (+31,000) and furniture and home furnishings retailers (+5,000) offsetting losses in electronics and appliance retailers (-7,000). Social assistance added 22,000 jobs, mostly in individual and family services (+20,000), while government employment continued its upward trend. Industries such as construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, information, financial activities, professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and other services, showed little change over the month.?

Wages rose by 0.5% to $35.87, marking a 4.1% annual increase, while the average workweek edged down to 34.1 hours. Revisions to prior months’ reports added 100,000 more jobs than initially reported, with November revised up to 261,000 and December to 307,000. As 2025 hiring trends take shape, these figures offer key insights for businesses and job seekers alike.?

January Poll Results?

Each month, we turn to our growing community of 300K+ followers on LinkedIn to get insights into the job market, workplace trends, and career goals. January’s polls revealed key challenges professionals are facing as we step into 2025, from job searching struggles to evolving interview preferences. Here’s what our audience had to say:?

• Biggest Challenge of January: As the new year kicked off, we asked what’s been the biggest hurdle so far. A striking 74% of respondents said finding a new job, reinforcing just how competitive the job market remains. Meanwhile, 18% are struggling to juggle work and life, while 6% are focused on hiring the right people. View the poll here.?

• Preferred Interview Format: With virtual hiring now a norm, we asked professionals about their preferred interview style. Video and in-person interviews tied at 44%, showing that while virtual options are widely accepted, face-to-face connections are still valued. Phone screens came in at 10%, while panel interviews trailed at just 2%. View the poll here.?

• Top Priorities in Job Searches: When searching for a new job, compensation and benefits topped the list at 42%, followed by remote/hybrid work options at 29%. Company culture (17%) and growth opportunities (12%) were also key considerations, highlighting how job seekers weigh both financial and workplace flexibility. View the poll here.?

• Skills to Develop in 2025: Career growth is top of mind, with 31% of respondents eager to learn something completely new this year. Technical expertise (27%) and leadership/management (26%) were also top priorities, while 15% are focused on sharpening their communication skills. View the poll here.?

Thanks to everyone who participated! Keep an eye out for more polls each week and join the conversation on our LinkedIn page—we love hearing your insights.?

?? Recruiting Resources:?

Staying ahead in today’s job market means keeping up with hiring trends, industry shifts, and the skills that can set candidates apart. This month, we’re diving into 2025 hiring predictions, must-have healthcare certifications, and an exclusive look at C-suite hiring trends.?

Top Hiring Trends for 2025: What Employers Need to Know?

A new year brings new challenges in hiring. From skills shortages to AI-driven recruiting, employers need to stay ahead of the curve. This article breaks down what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how companies can adapt to attract top talent in 2025.?

Read more here.?

Top 12 Healthcare Certifications to Boost Your Career?

If you’re in the healthcare field, certifications can be a game-changer for career growth. This guide covers the top 12 certifications that can enhance your skills, increase earning potential, and help you stand out in the industry. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, this resource has you covered.?

Explore the list here.?

Monday Market Share: C-Suite Hiring?

Hiring executives is no easy feat, and the stakes are high. In this Monday Market Share feature, we sit down with Executive Recruiting expert Lisa Garstang to break down the latest trends in C-suite hiring. Find out what top companies are looking for in leadership today and how businesses can attract top-tier executive talent.?

Check out the insights here.?

??Featured Guides:?

Hiring in 2025 is already shaping up to be different from years past, and staying ahead means understanding the biggest shifts happening now. This month, we broke it down in a quick guide highlighting the Top Hiring Trends for 2025. Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next role, these insights can help you stay competitive.?

Check out the full guide in the post below.??

?? Resume & Career Services YouTube Library?

Looking to kick off the year with the right tools for career success? Check out the valuable content on our sister company's YouTube channel, Resume and Career Services. Here, you’ll find featured videos packed with expert tips and guidance to help advance your career.?

?? This Month's Featured Video: How to Leverage LinkedIn for Networking?

Networking on LinkedIn isn’t just about adding connections—it’s about building relationships that can open doors to new opportunities. This video provides key strategies to leveraging LinkedIn for networking and job searching success. Learn how to engage with connections through personalized outreach, content sharing, and LinkedIn groups. With just a few minutes a day, you can strengthen your presence, make valuable connections, and improve your job search results — watch now!?

?? Hot Job Openings?

1. Presales Engineer?
2. RF Hardware Engineer???
3. Jr Software Developer – Ground Controls SW???
4. Sr. Systems Engineer?
5. VP of Quality?
6. Commercial Line Account Executive?
7. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)?
8. Environmental Manager?
9. Senior Corporate Services Representative???
10. Lighting Specification Sales – Midwestern Regional Sales Manager?

Discover exciting career opportunities across diverse industries on our job board!?

Closing Out January?

As we close out this edition of The Recruiting Radar, we’re already looking ahead to what’s next in 2025. At Blue Signal, we remain committed to guiding you through the job market's latest trends and opportunities. With a team of specialized recruiters and a wealth of resources, we're here to support your career goals and staffing needs. We're excited to keep sharing insights, opportunities, and advice to guide you. Don't miss out on future updates—make sure to subscribe and join us on this journey toward success.?

Need help finding talent? Reach out today!?

Stay Connected:?

For a front-row seat to the latest recruiting trends and hot job listings, follow our company page on LinkedIn! Share the power of knowledge by forwarding this newsletter to your network, ensuring they too benefit from our insights.??

?? Follow us on LinkedIn: Blue Signal Search?

?? Explore our website: bluesignal.com?

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