The 2025 Job Market Playbook: What Job Seekers Really Want

Career services aren’t what they used to be—and that’s a good thing. What do today’s candidates actually care about? From sales to veterinary medicine, the 2025 jobs report reveals what’s hot, what’s missing, and what employers need to fix in their hiring process. Spoiler: it starts with your job descriptions. In this episode we talk about career services, applicant tracking systems, transparency in job listings, generational values, healthcare careers, and how leadership and culture shape job seeker decisions in a tight labor market. Key Takeaways ➡ Gen Z is leading the charge for more flexibility, clarity, and cultural alignment ➡ The #1 job in 2025 is veterinarian—empathy is still a career superpower ➡ Salary transparency isn’t optional anymore ➡ Sales roles offer six-figure potential with no degree required ➡ Poor job descriptions waste time for both sides—clarity wins ➡ Candidates are prioritizing values and mission just as much as pay ➡ Healthcare and specialized roles are dominating future outlooks ➡ Leadership style has a measurable impact on retention and success Chapters 00:00 – The Report 03:10 – Shifts in Career Services and Job Seeking Trends 06:01 – Generational Perspectives on Work-Life Balance 09:08 – The Importance of Flexibility in the Workplace 12:07 – Insights from the Jobs Report for 2025 15:01 – Top Jobs and Their Implications 17:59 – Sales Roles and Career Pathways 20:46 – Exploring Career Opportunities and Self-Assessment 22:27 – Understanding Job Descriptions and Candidate Needs 24:41 – The Importance of Transparency in Job Listings 26:43 – Finding the Right Fit: Company Culture and Values 30:05 – Managing Expectations in Job Roles 33:32 – The Role of Leadership in Employee Success 34:17 – Insights from Job Seekers: Surprising Career Paths 39:39 – Future Job Trends: Specialization in Healthcare Guest Info Jenn Herrity: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/author/jennifer-herrity https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferherrity/ Connect with us William Tincup: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tincup/ Ryan Leary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleary/ Connect with WRKdefined on your favorite social network Website: http://www.wrkdefined.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrkdefined LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wrkdefined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WRKdefined/ X: https://twitter.com/WRKdefined Substack: https://wrkdefined.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices