Welcome back to The Recruiting Radar!

February flew by, and with it came new hiring trends, industry insights, and key takeaways from the job market. In this edition, we’re diving into the latest employment data, exploring how AI is reshaping the workplace, and breaking down what job seekers prioritize most in their searches.?

We’re also sharing expert insights on legal recruiting, the top engineering certifications for career growth, and how hiring managers can use AI to streamline their recruitment strategies. Plus, we have an exciting announcement—Blue Signal has been nominated for 5 categories in the 2026 Best of AZ Rankings by AZ Big Media ! If we’ve made an impact on your hiring or job search, we’d love your support.?

Let’s dive into February’s highlights and set the stage for a strong month ahead.?

?? Industry Insights:?

February Jobs Report?

The latest Employment Situation Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows continued job growth, with total nonfarm payroll employment rising by 151,000 in February. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%. Gains were led by healthcare, financial activities, transportation and warehousing, and social assistance, while federal government employment declined.?

Healthcare led job growth in February with 52,000 new positions, particularly in ambulatory health care services (+26,000), hospitals (+15,000), and nursing and residential care facilities (+12,000). Financial activities added 21,000 jobs, with gains in real estate (+10,000) and insurance carriers (+5,000), though commercial banking lost 5,000 jobs. Transportation and warehousing grew by 18,000, driven by couriers and messengers (+24,000). Social assistance saw 11,000 new jobs, while federal government employment declined by 10,000. Retail trade had a net loss of 6,000 jobs, largely due to strike activity in food and beverage retailers (-15,000), offset by gains in general merchandise retailers (+10,000).?

Industries that showed little to no change over the month included mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; construction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; information; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; and other services.?

Average hourly earnings rose by $0.10 (0.3%) to $35.93, reflecting a 4.0% increase over the past year. The average workweek remained at 34.1 hours across private nonfarm payrolls. The job market is still moving, with steady hiring trends across key industries. Whether you're job searching or hiring, these insights can help you stay ahead.?

February Poll Results?

Each month, we turn to our growing community of 300K+ followers on LinkedIn to gather insights on workplace trends, hiring, and career goals. In February, we explored how AI is being used in the workplace, job search strategies, and—just in time for Valentine’s Day—what makes professionals fall in love with their jobs. Here’s what our audience had to say:?

What Makes a Job Lovable: To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we asked what would make professionals fall in love with a job at first sight. 32% chose competitive pay & benefits, tying with 32% who value remote/work flexibility. 24% highlighted great company culture, while 12% prioritized growth opportunities. These results emphasize that while salary is important, flexibility and workplace culture are just as crucial in long-term job satisfaction. View the poll here.?

Job Search Strategies: When it comes to job hunting, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. 49% of respondents prefer to apply selectively, while 32% apply to as many jobs as possible to increase their chances. 15% rely on networking first before applying, and 4% aren’t currently job searching. This data reinforces the importance of strategic applications and networking in today’s competitive job market. View the poll here.?

AI in the Workplace: With AI transforming industries, we asked how companies are integrating this technology into their workflows. 35% of respondents said their company is testing AI in some areas, while 30% are already using it regularly. Meanwhile, 19% are interested but haven’t adopted AI yet, and 16% avoid AI altogether. As AI adoption continues to grow, businesses are split between early adopters and cautious observers. 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—your insights drive our content and help us stay on top of industry trends.?

?? Recruiting Resources:?

Staying informed on industry trends is key to hiring smarter and growing your career. This month, we’re diving into AI’s impact on recruiting, must-have engineering certifications, and expert insights on hiring in the legal industry. Stay ahead with these resources and be sure to bookmark our blog for more expert hiring and career insights.?

Monday Market Share Series: Legal Recruiting?

Legal hiring comes with unique challenges, from sourcing specialized talent to keeping up with market demand for in-house counsel. In this Monday Market Share series, Legal Recruiting expert Kathleen (Katt) McCool shares insights into what’s driving hiring in the legal industry, which roles are in demand, and what companies need to do to attract top legal talent.

Top Engineering Certifications for Career Growth & Higher Salaries?

Certifications can be a game-changer for engineers looking to advance their careers and boost earning potential. This guide covers the top certifications across multiple engineering disciplines, helping professionals identify which credentials will increase their expertise and make them stand out in a competitive job market.?

Explore the full list.?

50 AI Prompts Every Hiring Manager Needs for Smarter, Faster Recruiting?

AI is revolutionizing talent acquisition, but how can hiring managers use it effectively? This guide provides 50 essential AI prompts to streamline recruiting, from crafting job descriptions to interviewing candidates and improving employer branding. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to refine your hiring strategy, these prompts will help you hire faster and smarter.?

Check out the guide.?

Beware of Job Scams: How to Spot and Report Fake Recruiters ?

Unfortunately, job scams are a persistent issue, and no one is immune. Due to recent reports of scammers posing as Blue Signal recruiters on platforms like WhatsApp , we’re bringing this important blog back to the forefront. Our community's safety is our top priority, and this guide will help you recognize the signs of a scam, protect yourself, and report fraudulent activity. ?

Learn how to spot a scam here.?

??Featured Guides:?

Hiring in 2025 is changing fast, and understanding recruiting best practices is key to staying competitive. This month, we’re spotlighting three must-read guides to help businesses refine their hiring strategies and make more informed decisions.?

Why Blue Signal Search? Choosing the right recruiting partner can be the difference between a seamless hiring process and months of lost time and resources. This guide breaks down what sets Blue Signal apart, from our proven track record of placements to our deep industry expertise and tailored search strategies that deliver the best talent. See why companies trust Blue Signal.?
Did You Know? The True Cost of Hiring: A bad hire can cost more than just salary expenses—it impacts team productivity, morale, and even company reputation. This guide breaks down the hidden costs of hiring mistakes and provides insights into making smarter hiring decisions that reduce turnover and protect your bottom line. Uncover the real cost of hiring.?
Top 5 Hiring Trends for 2025: The job market is shifting, and businesses need to adapt. This guide explores five key hiring trends shaping 2025, from AI-driven recruiting to the rising demand for specialized skill sets. Whether you’re hiring or job searching, staying ahead of these trends will help you navigate the evolving workforce with confidence. Discover the hiring trends to watch.?

?? Resume & Career Services YouTube Library?

Your network could be the key to unlocking your next career opportunity. This month, we’re highlighting a must-watch video from our sister company, Resume and Career Services, that breaks down how to make the most of the connections you already have during your job search.?

?? This Month's Featured Video: Making the Most of the People You Already Know?

When searching for a new role, who you know can be just as important as what you know. This video shares practical strategies for leveraging friends, family, and past colleagues to uncover hidden job opportunities. Learn how to clearly communicate your career goals, articulate your value proposition, and make specific requests for support—all while strengthening your professional relationships.?

Looking for more career insights? Subscribe to Resume and Career Services on YouTube for expert advice on job searching, resume writing, and interview strategies!?

?? Hot Job Openings?

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

?? We’re Hiring at Blue Signal!?

Looking to take the next step in your recruiting career? Blue Signal is growing, and we’re looking for top talent to join our team! If you’re passionate about making meaningful placements and want to work with a team that values excellence, integrity, and collaboration, check out our open roles and apply today:?

???Recruiter—Entry Level (Hybrid-Phoenix): https://lnkd.in/gUACC5Ek?

???Business Development Representative (Hybrid-Phoenix): https://lnkd.in/gMqQUeJY?

Join us and be part of something bigger. ???

?? Visit bluesignal.com to learn more!?

? Special Announcement?

We’re honored to be nominated in 5 categories for the 2026 Best of AZ rankings! This recognition is a testament to the incredible clients, candidates, and supporters who have trusted Blue Signal over the years. We’re so grateful for your partnership and would truly appreciate your vote!?

??? Help us earn the top spot in these categories:?

Vote for Best Executive Search Firm (Ranked #2 – 2019-2024)?

Vote for Employment Permanent (Ranked #3 – 2022-2024)?

Vote for Employment Temporary (Ranked #3 – 2022-2024?

Vote for Best Places to Work (Finalist – 2022-2024)?

Vote for Best Technical Placement (Ranked #1 in 2022, #2 in 2023-2024)?

Learn more about the voting process here.?

If Blue Signal has made a difference in your hiring or career journey, we’d be incredibly grateful for your support. Feel free to share with colleagues, friends, and anyone who believes in our mission. Thank you for being part of our success! ???

Closing out February?

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:?

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