Looking to Talent Trends Data to Navigate Change in 2025

For both public and private-sector workers, change has become the new normal in today’s talent landscape. The U.S. job market is shifting rapidly, with major transformations reshaping how and where we work. But even as the nature of work shifts, insights from talent trends data can help us find anchors amid uncertainty and embrace opportunities amid change. 

A recent data analysis of over 1 billion LinkedIn users, alongside surveys with global executives, revealed some impactful trends. Here’s what the data revealed.

Global Hiring Insights Can Help Guide Workers Amid Transition

While hiring rates across most industries declined in 2024 compared to 2023, signs of stabilization and recovery have emerged in key sectors, including:

• Technology
• Information Services
• Media & Communications

For workers navigating a career transition, these sectors offer potential pathways, particularly for those with skills in policy analysis, project management, public communication, or IT. Upskilling in areas such as data analytics, cloud computing, and digital communication could enhance job prospects in these evolving industries.

Internal Mobility Is Trending

Despite change, leaders within institutions of all kinds can find insights within the global talent data to support their management goals in 2025. The data revealed a 6% increase in internal mobility in 2024, showing that growing organizations recognize the important role their own, in-house talent plays in staying competitive in the global economy. 

Researchers define “internal mobility” as when a worker takes a new position at their same company, such as a lateral move or a promotion. Organizations are embracing and nurturing internal talent to keep institutional knowledge and flourish, setting an inspiring precedent for organizations prioritizing growth and continuity in 2025.

Leaders Believe AI Can Unlock Opportunities for Talent

While most organizations haven’t fully harnessed every capability that artificial intelligence (AI) has to offer, most executives surveyed say they see how it can help their employees. Nearly 80% of *global executives recognize at least one key way that AI can benefit their workforce, in the following order:

1. Reducing time spent on routine yet essential tasks
2. Increasing overall productivity
3. Freeing up employees for more strategic and creative work

People managers specifically are emphasizing how successful AI adoption requires a human-centered approach — focusing on people as much as technology. Organizations that involve talent leaders in AI integration and change management will be best positioned to thrive in this new era.

Hiring Managers Are Emphasizing Soft Skills

In a rapidly evolving talent landscape, soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and collaboration are more valuable than ever. In fact, 69% of U.S. executives surveyed say they plan to prioritize hiring candidates with soft skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration. As new factors reshape the world of work, there is no doubt strong people skills will be essential: think building relationships, conflict resolution, and ensuring smooth transitions. 

For everyone from talent to leadership, the ability to communicate clearly and foster connections will be priceless in this era of constant transformation.

*”Global executives” refers to VP+ level LinkedIn members who participated in the ECI survey across 11 countries: U.S., U.K., India, Canada, Australia, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Netherlands, and Brazil. Percentages vary by country.

Deanna Grady is an accomplished leader in the public sector, serving as Director and Head of Government Sales for North America at LinkedIn Talent Solutions. With over 20 years of sales experience, including 19 years in SaaS leadership, Deanna has dedicated her career to helping federal, state, and local government agencies meet mission-critical objectives. Her expertise in developing strategies for bridging hiring and skills gaps has driven year-over-year growth, enabling government agencies to address workforce challenges and achieve their goals through LinkedIn’s innovative hiring and learning solutions.