Is the golden age of job seekers over? 5 hiring trends in Poland

The job market is shifting once again – what can we do to keep up? “Job Market Activity Among Specialists and Managers”, a 2024 report by Antal, gathered the insights from 1,397 specialists and managers, to reveal key hiring trends, job search behaviors, and career motivations shaping the workforce. Let’s take a look!

1. IT fires, but still hires

Since 2022, the number of job offers have dropped by 75% in the once booming IT industry.

Still, IT specialists remain highly sought-after, with the average professional still receiving multiple job offers each year – 8 offers, on average – which is more than any other sector.

What does this mean for your career?

IT professionals must adapt to changing expectations, prioritizing in-demand skills to remain competitive. While opportunities are fewer, those with specialized knowledge still hold significant bargaining power.

2. Work model shift: Shorter workweek, longer hours

Interest in a four-day workweek is growing, with 36% of employees willing to work extended hours in exchange for an extra day off. Industries like IT and marketing are leading the charge in testing this model.

What does this mean for your career?

Workers stand to benefit from improved work-life balance, but they may also face increased daily workloads. Companies that transition smoothly will likely see greater employee satisfaction and retention.

3. The great job market reversal: Have employers seized the wheel?

It seems like the days when job seekers held all the cards are gone.

A seismic shift is tilting the scales decisively in employers’ favor, transforming the job hunt into an uphill battle. Industries that once boomed now face shrinking opportunities. Salaries have flatlined, investments are frozen, and waves of layoffs and corporate shakeups have left companies streamlining their hiring to surgical precision.

The result? A hyper-competitive arena where employers call the shots, cherry-picking talent from overflowing applicant pools. The golden age of candidate-driven markets? It’s fading fast, slowly replaced by a ruthless new reality where every job posting sparks a Hunger Games-style showdown.

What does this mean for your career?

For ambitious professionals, survival now hinges on strategic adaptation. With jobs scarce and employers scrutinizing every CV, you’ll need to hone your skills to razor-sharp precision, craft resumes that pop, and brace for grueling hiring marathons. Networking isn’t just helpful anymore – it’s your lifeline. Upskilling? Non-negotiable. Companies aren’t settling for “good enough”; they’re hunting for exceptional. To thrive, you’ll need to outlearn, outpace, and outmaneuver the competition.

4. Poor leadership pushes employees away

Nearly half (47%) of professionals cite poor management as their primary reason for leaving a job. Workplace culture and leadership styles significantly impact retention rates.

What does this mean for your career?

Workers are becoming less tolerant of toxic environments. Companies that fail to address poor leadership will struggle with high turnover and loss of skilled employees.

5. Job-hopping as a career strategy

For many professionals, changing jobs is now a strategic move rather than a last resort. Nearly 47% of job-switchers report an improvement in their career prospects.

What does this mean for your career?

Workers are increasingly willing to change jobs to advance their careers. Staying adaptable and continuously upskilling will help professionals secure better opportunities.