The iCIMS Insights December 2024 Workforce Report offers an in-depth analysis of global hiring trends, candidate behaviors, and employer activity. Drawing on data from over 3 million platform users, 200 million applications, and 5.5 million hires annually, the report provides actionable insights to guide recruitment strategies for 2025.
Global Workforce Trends
The report highlights fluctuations in job market activity throughout 2024:
- November slowdown: Job openings and hires dropped by 14% and 20%, respectively, compared to October.
- Year-on-year application growth: Applications increased 8% from 2023 but dipped seasonally in November.
Key Dates
- Highest Application Days: July 30, July 31, and August 1 topped the charts, followed by high volumes in early January.
- Lowest Application Days: Holidays like New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Labor Day saw the least activity.
Best Day to Land a Job
- Tuesday: The most active day for applications, job postings, and offers in 2024.
Most and Least Wanted Jobs
- Hot Jobs (Applicants per Opening – APO):
- Computer & Mathematical Occupations: 62 APO
- Business & Financial Operations: 55 APO
- Transportation & Material Moving: 37 APO
- Less Competitive Roles:
- Healthcare Practitioners & Technical Occupations: 13 APO
- Healthcare Support Occupations: 21 APO
EMEA Workforce Trends
Hiring trends in the EMEA region revealed unique market dynamics:
- November Trends: Job openings dropped by 6% from October but grew 10% year-on-year. Applications rose 36% year-on-year, but hires fell 9%.
- Midweek Activity: Tuesdays and Wednesdays were the busiest for both candidates and employers.
- Application Rate by Country:
- French job seekers had the highest engagement, converting 2.5 times more often than German candidates.
Actionable Insights for Employers
Employers can leverage the report’s findings to optimize hiring strategies:
- Target Peak Days: Focus recruitment campaigns around active days like Tuesdays or early summer.
- Enhance Recruitment Marketing: Engage high-demand candidates in fields like IT and finance.
- Regional Strategies: Adapt hiring practices to country-specific application behaviors in EMEA.
The iCIMS December 2024 Workforce Report serves as a vital resource for understanding an ever-changing labor market. By integrating these insights into recruitment strategies, businesses can address hiring challenges and position themselves for success in 2025.
