HOLMDEL, N.J. — As 2025 draws to a close, new data from iCIMS suggests that while job seekers are more active than ever, employers across the globe are tapping the brakes on hiring to strategize for the new year.
The iCIMS Insights December 2025 Workforce Report, which draws on data from more than 3 million global platform users, over 200 million applications, and more than 5.5 million hires annually, reveals a labor market defined by “recalibration.”
U.S. Market: High Interest, Steady Hiring
In the United States, the data indicates a disconnect between candidate enthusiasm and employer caution. While year-over-year figures show a robust increase in activity, actual hires have remained nearly flat as companies prioritize efficiency over volume.
- Applications: Up 6% year-over-year.
- Job Openings: Up 4% year-over-year.
- Hiring: Up just 1%.
Trent Cotton, head of talent acquisition insights at iCIMS, noted that the November cooling is typical for year-end but also signals a strategic shift. “The data suggests recruiting teams are recalibrating their workforce plans for 2026,” Cotton said, emphasizing that employers are using this time to develop talent pipelines rather than rush offers.
EMEA Market: A Similar Story
Across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), the trend of high candidate volume meeting measured employer demand is even more pronounced.
- Job Openings: Up 13%.
- Applications: Up 11%.
- Hiring: Up 1%.
This divergence has led to rising “apply-to-hire” ratios, meaning competition for individual roles is fiercer, even as some European markets show signs of economic stabilization.
The Most (and Least) Wanted Jobs of 2025
The report highlights a “deep talent-market imbalance” when looking at Applicants Per Opening (APO). While the overall market average hovered around 34 applicants per job, white-collar sectors saw nearly double that volume, while healthcare continued to struggle for talent.
Top Jobs (High Competition):
- Computer and Mathematical: 65 applicants per opening.
- Business and Financial: 62 applicants per opening.
Hardest to Hire (Low Competition):
- Healthcare Support: 25 applicants per opening.
- Healthcare Practitioners/Technical: 15 applicants per opening.
The “Leaky” Funnel
While food preparation roles saw healthy interest with 33 applicants per opening (aligning closely with the market average of 34), the hospitality sector faced unique challenges. The report noted this sector suffered the highest rates of application abandonment and interview no-shows, complicating recruitment efforts despite the solid applicant flow.