The recruiting world is constantly changing, and the trends for 2023 are no exception. As a business leader, staying current on these trends is necessary to make informed decisions about your company's hiring needs.

Here are a few of the most important recruiting trends to watch in 2023:

• The rise of remote job seekers. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift of job seekers' interest toward remote/hybrid work options. However, 2023 has shown that employers are, as a result, reluctant to adopt a remote-only model. With a decline in remote job postings from 2022 to 2023 and job seeker interest in remote-only work near an all-time high, employers and employees are at a standstill. Business leaders must be prepared to make concessions when able and hire remote/hybrid employees. This means having a clear work policy and providing employees with the necessary tools and resources to be successful.

• The importance of employer branding. Small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) must make a good impression on potential candidates to compete with larger enterprises. This means having a solid employer brand highlighting the company's culture, values, and benefits. This will also help your company's bottom line as better candidates lead to better hires which, in turn, reduces turnover, reduces cost-per-hire, and decreases time to hire, saving time and resources.

• The need for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DEI is more crucial than ever in the recruiting process. Business leaders need to be intentional about sourcing and hiring diverse candidates, and they need to create a workplace that is welcoming and inclusive for all employees. According to a 2022 Good Hire survey, only 72% of respondents said their companies are racially and ethnically diverse, while another 81% would consider resigning if the organization was not committed to DEI.

• The focus on the candidate’s experience. Candidates have more choices than ever before, so providing them with a positive and memorable recruiting experience is important. This means being responsive, transparent, and respectful.

In addition to the trends mentioned above, here are a few other things to keep in mind:

• The gig economy is growing. More and more people are choosing to work as freelancers or contractors, which will likely continue into 2024. Business leaders must be prepared to hire and onboard these workers that request flexibility in their work schedule.

• The war for talent is intensifying. The job market is tight, and employers are competing for top talent. Business leaders need to be more proactive and creative in their recruiting efforts. The days of one-sided interviews are gone, be prepared to sell your managers and company throughout the recruiting process.

• The importance of data-driven decision-making. Business leaders should use data to make informed decisions about their recruiting strategies. This includes tracking metrics such as time to hire, cost per hire, and candidate satisfaction.

By staying up-to-date on the latest recruiting trends and best practices, business leaders can ensure that their company hires the best talent.