If you’ve been on calls with trading partners or chatting with clients lately, you’ve probably found yourself in the same conversation I’ve had more times than I can count: “What’s really happening in the job market right now?”
It’s the question of the moment—and the answer isn’t simple. It’s tight. It’s changing. And depending on which side of the desk you’re sitting on, it can feel like either a land of opportunity or a landscape full of obstacles.
Let’s take a minute to unpack what’s happening.
Globally Speaking: Skills Are the New Currency
Across the globe, unemployment is staying low. In most regions, we’re sitting at around 5%. The job market isn’t exploding with growth, but it’s not falling apart either.
The real shift? Employers are being even more selective. (Yes, I know—you’re probably thinking, “How could they possibly get pickier?” But here we are.) Hiring managers aren’t just looking for someone to fill a seat anymore. They’re seeking highly specialized skills—especially in high-growth sectors like AI, green energy, and digital transformation. It’s not just about a polished resume or an impressive degree. It’s about what candidates can actually do. If a candidate can prove their abilities through certifications, project portfolios, or real-world experience, they’re in the driver’s seat.
Inside NPAworldwide: Let’s Talk About the Balance
Here’s where I want to get real with you about what we’re seeing in our own network.
Right now, we’re out of balance. We have more candidate-side recruiters than job-side recruiters actively engaged, and it has created some friction. The board listens to your feedback, and we’ve asked our membership team to prioritize recruiting more job-side firms. A few years ago, it was the opposite—we had too few candidate-side recruiters.
These cycles are normal. Our role is to listen, respond, and adjust as the market shifts. But let’s not ignore the reality of today:
- Candidate-side recruiters are chasing every open job order, sometimes from multiple angles.
- Job-side recruiters are overwhelmed, and some are starting to disengage.
- Candidate-side recruiters are frustrated when they don’t hear back.
- And candidates? They’re confused and burned out after getting multiple calls about the same role.
Sound familiar? I thought so.
NPAworldwide was built for collaboration, not chaos. But when the balance between job-side and candidate-side recruiters tips too far in one direction, things get messy.
How Do We Fix It?
We can’t control the market, but we can control how we respond to it. Here are a few ways we can improve—together.
Rebalance the Desk
If you’re working primarily on the candidate side, consider how you can build stronger job-side relationships. Are you bringing new job orders to the table? Are you helping your clients fill the tough roles? The more you can work both sides of the desk, the more control you’ll have over your own success.
Go Where the Growth Is
Not every sector is booming right now. Healthcare? Green energy? AI? Remote-friendly tech roles? Still hot. Federal government hiring? Some tech sectors? Not so much. In our business, time is money. Let’s spend our time in the places where the opportunities really are.
Talk Before You Submit
- Candidate-side recruiters: Pick up the phone. Call the job-side recruiter first. Get clarity on the role before working on the job and certainly before you send a resume.
- Job-side recruiters: Please be open to conversations with your trading partners. Take a moment to explain what you need in a candidate—that clarity helps everyone work smarter. Please post your jobs on
- Marketplace. The more visibility you give a search, the better your chances of finding the right candidate.
- A simple conversation upfront saves time and preserves relationships. In a network like NPAworldwide, that kind of trust and collaboration isn’t just important—it’s essential.
Final Thoughts: Keep the Network Strong
We’re in a fast-moving, constantly shifting job market—but the basics of NPAworldwide haven’t changed. We succeed when we collaborate, not when we compete against each other blindly. We win when we share information, build trust, and help each other close deals.
So let’s get back to the fundamentals:
Talk first. Work together. Balance the desk. And most importantly, let’s remember why we joined this network in the first place—to help each other succeed and to MAKE SPLITS.
Here’s to a successful second half of 2025!