Put down the champagne, it’s 2025 and it’s time to get back on the grind.  Whether you’re hiring in 2025 or look for a job, you should know that 2025 is going to be very different from in 2024. The stakes are higher than ever for employees to keep up with new technologies, changing expectations, and shifts in how work gets done. If you’re gearing up to enter or advance in the workforce next year, you need to get ahead of these trends. Knowing what prospective employers are looking for, what skills are in demand, and how to be a hireable candidate will help you thrive in 2025.  

It’s Time To Upskill

According to the World Economic Forum, 50% of all employees will need upskilling or reskilling by 2025. As AI, automation, and machine learning enter traditional industries, workers who fail to keep up will risk falling behind. AI isn’t a passing trend; it’s a critical shift that is changing how people work forever. 

It’s not just about technical knowledge anymore. While hard skills will always matter, soft skills are rising in importance. Here’s a breakdown of some essential skills for 2025:

Hard skills

AI and data literacy

AI has made a huge impact on the Australian job market. Having a good grasp of this technology and how to apply it to your work will be a huge advantage and make you hireable across all sectors, not just tech.

Cybersecurity

While a booming industry in and of itself, cybersecurity will become increasingly important for employees to understand. You will need to know how to protect yourself against cyber threats and avoid scams, phishing and suspicious activity in the workplace.

Project management

Managing timelines, people, and tasks in virtual environments requires specific tools and frameworks you can learn through certifications or practical experience.

Soft skills

Emotional intelligence

Understanding and managing emotions in the workplace is becoming crucial for all workers. As hybrid work makes team dynamics more complex, empathy and communication will be your greatest asset. Learn how to upskill in EQ on the Uplift blog. 

Leadership and collaboration

While technical skills are still a must, companies will also want people who can drive a team forward, communicate clearly, and inspire others, even when working remotely.

Adaptability

Being open to change and ready to learn new things quickly will help you navigate the job market and thrive in business environments.

TIP: Failing to upskill and reskill will leave you behind. So take action now—whether it’s enrolling in a short course or getting involved in a professional development program, start investing in yourself to stay competitive. 

Flexibility and Remote Work

Over the past few years, employees have increasingly expected companies to offer remote and hybrid working options. While the demand for remote and flexible work options is higher than ever, the number of remote job postings has decreased, according to a 2024 LinkedIn recruitment report. 

From a holistic viewpoint, large companies are leaning towards a hybrid approach, and smaller organisations, especially in the tech space, are more open to remote or freelance staff. Startups are prioritising reduced operational costs and a diverse team, whereas big companies are going back to the office in a bid to improve productivity, collaboration, and workplace culture.

While flexibility will remain a key part of the work landscape, there is still uncertainty about what it will look like in 2025. Some companies are leaning towards returning to the office full-time or part-time, while others still value and promote hybrid and remote arrangements. Some employers are implementing a 4-day work week, whereas others can’t make it work due to supplier or client demands. Every company has a policy dependent on the industry’s requirements and individual preferences.

Despite volatility in the office/remote debate, the technology used to facilitate flexible working during the pandemic era is here to stay. It’s more important than ever to learn how to use project management tools such as Trello, Monday.com or Asana and online communication platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Slack. Mastering these platforms can make you an attractive candidate as they are now an essential part of people’s day-to-day workflows. 

The Gig Economy and the Rise of Side Hustles

Another critical change shaping the job market is the growth of the gig economy. According to the United Nations, in 2027, 50% of the global workforce will be involved in some form of gig work, whether part-time, freelance, or as a side hustle. Gig work is not just about taking on a few odd jobs in your spare time – more people are turning their side hustles into full-time careers.

In corporate environments, gig work could involve offering freelance design services, working for an agency, or consulting. It could also involve contract work, where “freelance” employees are hired to relieve temporary staff shortages for a typically ongoing role. The gig economy is attractive because it provides more flexibility and the opportunity to work for multiple clients simultaneously, which allows you to gain a wide range of experience and expertise that can put you ahead of other candidates.

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are looking for a creative way to get hired in 2025, the gig economy is worth exploring.

Operating with an Entrepreneurial Mindset

In competitive job markets, it’s vital for candidates to create and communicate their value. You can do this by adopting an entrepreneurial mindset. With the lines between the gig economy and full-time work blurring, it’s important to learn how to communicate your value and what you can bring to a team that others can’t. 

In the hiring process, showing initiative and demonstrating what you’ve achieved in previous roles will set you apart from other candidates. Once you’re in a role, adopting skills like being proactive, resourceful, and comfortable advocating for your work will be essential.

Highest Paying Jobs in 2025: What to Aim For

Technology and healthcare jobs are forecast to be in high demand in 2025. These industries offer great compensation and provide meaningful work that aligns with where skills are most needed. Here’s a snapshot of the highest-paying jobs in 2025:

AI and Machine Learning Specialists

It’s no surprise that AI will continue to dominate all industries. The demand for skilled workers in AI and machine learning will skyrocket, and these roles are expected to offer some of the highest salaries in tech for the foreseeable future.

Cybersecurity Experts

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, companies will pay top dollar for cybersecurity professionals who can protect against increasing cyber threats.

Data Scientists and Analysts

The rise of big data means that businesses will continue to need individuals who can gather, interpret, and analyse vast amounts of information.

Digital Transformation Consultants

Companies need people with deep knowledge about digital transformation to help them navigate change.

Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

In 2025, leaders will need to have emotional intelligence (EQ), empathy, and the ability to listen. These will become some of the most important traits of effective leaders. If you’re eyeing a leadership position, now is the time to develop your EQ. 

EQ can’t be learned simply by taking a course and stopping there. You need to be committed to cultivating self-awareness, active listening, and a deep understanding of how to motivate and guide employees. It’s a good idea to seek a mentor if you want to work on improving your EQ.

Connecting with people on an emotional level is more crucial than ever, particularly as remote work means leaders are more likely to be managing diverse teams across different time zones and cultures. 

Australia’s workplace cultural landscape is shifting; Southern Cross University predicts companies operating in Australia will continue to hire employees and sub-contractors from outside Australia to meet their organisation’s skills and budget demands. You will need to focus on EQ skills like cultural sensitivity and inclusive communication. You will also need to know how to use the communication and project management technology discussed earlier to collaborate effectively and efficiently.

Dealing with AI and Automation

As automation and AI continue to advance, candidates must understand how to integrate machines into their workflow. In 2025, many jobs will involve managing or overseeing AI systems rather than being replaced by them.

Despite initial fears, entire fields like customer service, supply chain management, and data analysis are not at risk of being replaced by AI. Rather, they’ll evolve, and employees will take on more strategic and creative tasks that machines can’t easily replicate to a human standard. A research paper on Workplace AI found that AI cannot outweigh human and conceptual skills, and the future of work will involve employees learning how to use AI to improve their processes and efficiency.

Securing your next role in 2025

Entering the job market can be challenging, but not if you have the right skills and support behind you. With reskilling and upskilling becoming more critical than ever, it’s essential to stay competitive to avoid missing out on job opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a traditional job or exploring the gig economy, the future of work will reward those who are flexible, entrepreneurial, and have emotional intelligence. 

Are you looking for a team that can help you stand out in the hiring process and advance your career in the New Year? Or are you hiring in 2025 and need a hand? Uplift Recruitment is here to help. Explore our job board for the latest opportunities, or book a 1:1 with our team to discuss your goals.