Featuring:
- John Arnold – Managing Partner, Celarity
- Connor Duffy – Manager of Client Experience, Celarity
- Julie Thiel – Fractional CHRO & Founder, Teal Talent Strategy
We sat down with Julie, John, and Connor to unpack what’s really happening in today’s job market. The headline? Everyone’s cautious – candidates, companies, even the tools we use. But beneath that caution are opportunities to rethink how we hire, develop, and retain talent.
1. The Mood: Cautious, for Good Reason
Across the board, leaders are hitting pause before making moves.
Budgets are tighter. Roles are getting extra scrutiny. And in some organizations, hiring managers have to prove a job can’t be automated before it’s approved. Candidates feel it, too – fewer openings, more competition, and a lot of waiting.
“It’s not a freeze everywhere,” John noted, “but it’s definitely a ‘move carefully’ moment.”
When every hire feels high-stakes, searches drag. Roles shift midstream. Internal candidates surface. Everyone’s trying to avoid the wrong call.
The takeaway: Define success clearly before the search. Decide what really matters in the first 30, 90, and 180 days – and move fast once you see it.
2. AI & The Job Market: Helpful, But Handle With Care
AI is becoming part of the hiring conversation – whether leaders like it or not.
Julie shared her experience with new screening tools that help companies manage hundreds of applications more efficiently. They can give candidates a chance to stand out beyond a resume and help reduce bias from overworked hiring managers.
But they’re not perfect. “Everyone’s had a bad experience with a video interview,” she admitted. “The key is using it to manage volume – not replace human connection.”
The takeaway: Use AI where it helps – consistency, scale, speed – and bring people back in where it matters most: judgment, empathy, and fit.
3. The Pipeline Problem
In today’s job market, entry-level roles are quietly disappearing, especially in professional services. That might not sound urgent now, but it will be.
“When firms hire fewer junior employees,” Julie explained, “they’re also shrinking their future leadership bench.”
Without a clear path for early-career talent, companies risk losing future managers – and their culture along with them.
The takeaway: Build pathways now. Invest in mentoring, leadership development, and growth frameworks before turnover costs you more later.
4. Why Hiring Takes Longer – and How to Fix It
Roles evolve. Budgets shift. Teams debate priorities. It’s no wonder the process stalls.
Connor sees it daily: “The longer a search drags, the more likely the need changes – or disappears altogether.”
The takeaway: Write outcome-based job descriptions, lock decision-makers early, and be transparent about hybrid or on-site expectations before you start. Clarity speeds everything up.
5. For Job Seekers: Stay Real, Stay Visible
Even with AI everywhere, real connection still wins.
- Use AI to polish your writing – not invent experience.
- Keep your LinkedIn updated for what you want next, not just what you’ve done.
- If you apply, connect with someone on the team. A quick, genuine note goes further than 50 blind applications.
- Engage thoughtfully online. A simple comment or insight shows how you think – and helps others remember you.
The Big Picture
The conversation made one thing clear: the job market might be uncertain, but your people strategy doesn’t have to be.
Whether you’re navigating slower hiring, rethinking team design, or simply trying to keep your best people engaged – clarity is everything.
That’s where the Predictive Index® assessment comes in. In just five minutes, it helps you understand what truly drives you and your team – how each person communicates, makes decisions, and stays motivated. You’ll see:
- What energizes and drains you
- How to improve collaboration and reduce friction
- Where hidden strengths and blind spots exist
- How to align your natural drives with the work that needs to get done
We’ll walk you through your results and share insights you can apply immediately – helping you turn your people strategy into a measurable advantage.
Take the Free 5-Minute Assessment
Discover what drives you and your team – and how to lead with clarity and confidence.