If you’re on the hunt for a new job, you may have notice how the hiring process has entered a more stable phase in 2025 after the turbulent cycles of recent years. Following the hiring boom seen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—particularly in industries like consulting and technology—economic trends have leveled out. However, with global uncertainty still a factor, companies are now taking a more strategic and measured approach to signing up fresh talent. As a result, hiring trends are shifting, with recruiters placing greater emphasis on adaptability, digital expertise, and an international mindset.
A major trend reshaping recruitment in 2025 is the move toward skills-based hiring over traditional function-based roles. Rather than focusing solely on job titles, more employers are prioritizing specific competencies and transferable skills, making the hiring process more fragmented, and in some cases, more time-consuming. As a job seeker, you’ll need to understand what recruiters are looking for and make sure you position yourself to ensure you stand out in this evolving landscape.
Stay ahead of the competition by focusing on these five must-have qualities that recruiters are actively looking for in 2025.
1. Skills-based hiring
Traditional hiring models that focused on job titles and a linear career path are being replaced by skills-based hiring. As well as individuals who can demonstrate adaptability, dependability, and the ability to tackle complex business challenges, companies want leaders with specific technical and leadership skills, with the focus increasingly on digital and AI fluency. There’s growing demand for candidates with proven technical know-how, and those who can integrate sustainability into business models.
2. AI fluency and the digital transformation
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business processes is creating demand for tech-savvy professionals, and it’s up to you make sure you tick all the right boxes. Companies want candidates with a deep understanding of AI’s potential, not just from a technical perspective but also in terms of making sure it gets embedded in corporate strategy. As Prof. Javier Zamora explained in a recent article, there’s a need for roles who “orchestrate the cultural shift necessary for this technology to be integrated across the organization.”
Organizations need leaders who can leverage AI tools to enhance decision-making, assess talent, and drive innovation. But more companies also want managers both with the technical competencies to exploit the new technology and the leadership skills to direct the human teams that are deploying it.
3. Agility and entrepreneurial mindset
Startups and scale-ups have long favored candidates with hands-on experience and a proactive approach to business challenges. Now, larger corporations are also seeking individuals who embody an agile entrepreneurial mindset. This means being comfortable with ambiguity, taking ownership of projects, and proactively identifying growth opportunities.
Companies will expect you to show you can respond quickly to a changing business environment as they face increasing volatility and disruption in their industries. Volkswagen, for example, says it wants “versatile profiles and people full of energy, willingness to learn new things, able to face everyday challenges. There are a lot of positions where we need the combination of soft skills, product/project management and technical knowledge.”
4. Generalist expertise
While specialist skills are key, companies will also expect you to show a broad range of competencies and prove you can adapt to multiple roles and challenges. As industries evolve rapidly, employers find that generalists who possess a diverse knowledge base and know how to think critically often become the most effective professionals. As strategic thinkers with a broad perspective, they know how to break silos, adapt across industries, and make the most impactful decisions.
MANGO, for example, says it values the global vision, leadership and analytical skills of IESE’s MBA students, as well as their training in strategy and decision-making. “They bring innovation in sustainability, operations, and customer experience.”
5. Global business exposure
Another aspect you should be aware of is how recruiters, in an increasingly global market place, are putting a high premium on international experience. Professionals who have worked across different markets, managed cross-cultural teams, or studied in diverse environments bring unique perspectives to organizations.
Skills that are particularly valued include:
- Cross-cultural communication
- Understanding international regulations and market dynamics
- Ability to adapt strategies for different global audiences
Advice for MBA talent
In today’s competitive job market, MBA students must stay ahead of evolving recruitment priorities and adapt their skill sets accordingly. Companies are continuously refining their hiring strategies and placing ever greater emphasis on new competencies and technologies.
According to IESE’s Career Development Center, here are some of the steps you can take to prepare your strategy for navigating the job market:
- Highlight transferable skills: Showcase your ability to work across functions, solve complex problems, and lead diverse teams.
- Leverage AI and digital expertise: Demonstrate familiarity with AI tools and digital business trends to hone your appeal to potential employers as an innovative thinker.
- Emphasize global experience: An international background helps you to stand out from the crowd. Highlight your language skills and your ability to adapt and thrive in different cultures.
- Network strategically: Engage with your industry peers through alumni networks and business events, and make full use of tools such as LinkedIn to promote and refine your personal brand.
- Adopt a lifelong learning mindset: Employers favor candidates who continuously develop their skills through certifications, micro-learning programs, and hands-on experience.
The future of recruitment
As recruitment continues to evolve in 2025, job candidates must adapt to a shifting landscape that prioritizes flexibility, technological literacy, and a global outlook. Companies are seeking individuals whose skills extend beyond purely technical expertise, and who can demonstrate resilience, collaboration, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
As you hunt for a job, make sure you stay competitive by embracing continuous learning, leveraging AI tools, and cultivating a strong mix of soft and hard skills. The hiring process may have become more fragmented and take longer in some cases, but for those who can navigate its challenges, the opportunities have never been greater.
