Our Top Five Career Trends for 2025

As we move further into 2025, the job market is changing fast thanks to new technologies, evolving workplace cultures and global shifts. Therefore, it’s important you understand these trends and know how they may influence your career. 

Here are the five most significant trends we feel you need to be on the lookout for. 

1. The Growth of Flexible Work Arrangements 

The Covid-19 pandemic saw a rise in people reassessing what they want and need for their work-life balance. Flexibility in work schedules and locations have become desirable among the workforce.  

In a candidate short market, more and more companies are prioritising work-life balance to attract and retain talent. Flexible working, in some form, is now more likely to be a standard within a company, rather than a perk. 

What does this mean for you? 

Flexible working opens doors to a wider range of job opportunities and possibilities that may have been inaccessible to you previously. If you value flexibility and want to advance in a career that benefits your work-life balance, now is the perfect time to explore opportunities that support remote or hybrid working. 

Just be prepared for employers to have clear expectations set to monitor performance and accountability, even in flexible setups.  

2. Increased adoption of AI 

The rise of AI in the workplace is not just transforming companies, it’s also offering individuals valuable tools to boost their job search.  by automating tasks, improving efficiency, increasing productivity and creating new opportunities for innovation From optimising CVs, and ensuring your application is free of spelling, punctuation grammar errors to helping you identify transferable skills, AI can streamline your search and increase your chances of standing out. .. Additionally, AI powered tools are now available to help with interview preparation, providing personal feedback on responses and offering suggestions for improvement.  

As AI technologies continue to evolve, they are reshaping job roles and opening doors to new career paths. For individuals seeking work in the AI field, this shift offers exciting prospects, including positions in AI development, data analysis, and machine learning.  

What does this mean for you? 

By acquiring skills in these areas, it can allow you to find opportunities to go into a rapidly growing market, offering access to a wider range of employment options and career advancements. AI is not just changing how businesses operate; it’s also going to benefit you to gain access to roles that were once out of reach, breaking down geographical and skill barriers.  

While some may worry about AI replacing jobs, these technologies are more likely to enhance job seekers’ skills and open new doors for career growth. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, embracing its potential can give you the competitive edge as you navigate the moving job market.  

3. Rise of Green Jobs 

Just like the rise of roles surrounding AI and its increase within workplaces, the rise of green jobs is rapidly increasing as leaders globally focus on sustainability and combating climate change. As governments, councils and organisations prioritise environmental responsibility, there is a significant demand for jobs that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste reduction, and sustainable practices.  

Roles in solar and wind energy, environmental consulting, and green construction are expanding, which is offering individuals the chance to contribute to a more sustainable future while benefiting from a growing job market focused on environmental impact. 

What does this mean for you? 

The rise in green jobs offers you a chance to explore exciting opportunities in growing sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green construction. As industries expand, there’s a strong demand for skilled professionals, providing meaningful, long-term careers in sustainability. I 

If moving industry is not something for you, as more companies adopt sustainable practices, this could result in economic impact which will result in new policies and regulations which could affect your workplace.  

4. Emphasis on Skills-based Hiring 

Hiring practices are evolving, with skills-based hiring gaining huge popularity. This approach focuses on an applicant’s relevant skills rather than requiring specific degrees or years of experience, allowing employers to assess candidates more effectively.  

Skills-based hiring focuses on a candidate’s current abilities rather than their past experiences, which offers a more fair and inclusive approach. It eliminates biases related to background and emphasises merit, providing a level playing field for all applicants.  

What does this mean for you? 

Skills-based hiring will benefit you by focusing on your abilities rather than formal qualifications or previous work experience. It opens opportunities if you don’t come from a non-traditional educational background or if you have developed relevant skills through alternative ways, such as online courses or self-teaching. It allows you to showcase your practical expertise, increasing the chance to be successful in achieving a job offer even without a specific degree or specific work history. 

5. Economic and Political Influences 

Politics will undoubtedly have a major influence on the job market in 2025, with National Minimum Wage increases and elements from the Employment Rights Bill coming into effect. It is important to keep up with these developments as they may affect job opportunities, salary trends, and where in the market there are demands, as well as directly impacting your employment rights.   

What does this mean for you? 

If you’re looking for a job in 2025, economic and political influences mean you must stay informed about changes that could impact hiring trends. If you are not looking to move jobs, increases in National Minimum Wage may result in your salary being devalued compared to your colleagues. However, this could also be an opportunity to discuss a pay increase or explore new benefits with your employer.  

If you are looking for a new role or career change, remember to be flexible and adaptable, to continuously up skill yourself and remember to stay aware of any global and local changes that might affect your career path. 

By taking the time to understand these trends, professionals and job seekers can better navigate the evolving landscape and position themselves for success in 2025. Whether embracing flexible work arrangements, acquiring new skills, or exploring emerging industries like AI or green jobs, now is the time to adapt and prepare for the future to secure success.  

Ready to take the next step? Learn how Meridian can help you navigate these changes and unlock new opportunities. Get started with Meridian today!