New findings have shown that almost 20% of employees are considering a career change in 2025, influenced by worries that AI may replace their current positions. This is according to the ‘The Impact of AI’ survey recently carried out by recruitment and employment technology company CareerWallet. The survey highlights how job seekers are adjusting to the increasing impact of AI on their roles. However, the global job market in 2025 is also being influenced by several other factors, such as shifts in the global economy, trade disruptions from potential tariffs, the rise of flexible work arrangements, ongoing skill shortages, and an unexpected sense of optimism despite these challenges.

So, what are the main trends shaping the job market this year?

Growth of AI-related roles – LinkedIn's Jobs on the Rise report for 2025 identifies roles such as AI Engineer and AI Consultant as the fastest-growing positions.

Labour shortages and skills gap – The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) points out persistent labour shortages and a considerable skills gap, stressing the importance of focused upskilling initiatives to help workers develop the necessary AI-related skills.

Move towards skills-based hiring – Employers are increasingly focusing on skills rather than traditional degrees, seeking candidates who can showcase abilities in areas like coding and project management, even without formal qualifications.

Worries about AI-induced bias – Over a quarter (27%) of job seekers are concerned that AI tools could introduce new biases in recruitment, potentially disadvantaging certain groups of candidates.

Confidence in job market recovery – Despite the challenges, there is a renewed sense of optimism for job seekers in 2025. Companies are planning significant hiring efforts, with nearly two-thirds of US employers aiming to create permanent positions.

The findings reiterate how the job market this year is being influenced by evolving factors such as AI integration, flexible work options, and the increasing need for upskilling. These trends reflect how job seekers are adjusting to the future of work. Employers who adapt to these shifts, invest in skill development, and maintain transparency in their hiring processes will be well-positioned to attract and retain top talent in a competitive landscape.