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Not all candidates are experiencing today’s job market the same way—and that has big implications for how you hire.
Employ’s 2025 Job Seeker Nation Report—their annual survey of 1,500+ job seekers—reveals a growing divide in how different candidate groups are navigating the hiring process. For example, in desk-based industries like tech and finance, application volume is surging. Meanwhile, employers hiring for frontline and hourly roles are still struggling to attract applicants.
These contrasting realities make one thing clear: a one-size-fits-all approach to hiring won’t cut it anymore. Employers need to tailor their strategies based on the roles they’re hiring for, the channels their candidates use, and the challenges those job seekers face.
In this blog, we’re breaking down how frontline and desk-based candidates are experiencing today’s labor market, what that means for talent acquisition teams, and how to adapt your hiring strategy to better support both.
Demand is Headed in Different Directions
The divide between desk-based and frontline hiring starts with demand—and it’s headed in opposite directions.
In industries like tech, finance, and professional services, job postings are down but application volume is up. Desk-based job seekers are facing increased competition, longer timelines, and more interviews.
This year’s
