As we step into 2025, the hiring landscape in the CRE sector is undergoing another transformation. For years, candidates have enjoyed the upper hand, with employers vying to attract the best talent. However, recent data suggests a tilt towards an employer’s market.
A recent LinkedIn poll provided some insights:
· 54% of respondents believe it’s now an employer’s market.
· 25% still think it’s a candidate’s market.
· 21% feel that neither side has a distinct advantage.
This shift signifies a notable change in the dynamics of CRE hiring. But what implications does this have for both employers and professionals in the field?
The Windshield Wiper Effect
Hiring trends in CRE resemble a windshield wiper effect, where the balance of power oscillates between employers and candidates. Post the Great Recession of 2009, candidates predominantly held the reins as the CRE industry recovered, a trend that continued through the post-pandemic job market of 2021-2022.
Now, in 2025, the market favors employers, but this doesn’t mean they can afford to be complacent in their hiring efforts.
Hiring in 2025: Key Insights for Employers
Even with the market leaning towards employers, securing top talent remains a challenge. The U.S. unemployment rate was at 4.1% as of December 2024, suggesting a similarly low rate in the CRE sector. Here’s what employers need to consider:
· Proactivity is Key: Top candidates won’t just come knocking; employers need to seek them out.
· Competitive Landscape: While the hiring landscape continues to evolve, demand for top-tier talent remains strong, and skilled professionals still have multiple opportunities.
· Communication: To secure the best candidates, maintain consistent and transparent communication throughout the hiring process—remember, delays can cost you top talent.
At RETS Associates, with 24 years of specialization in CRE recruitment, we’ve observed that professionals switch jobs for:
· Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement.
· Work-Life Balance: Including remote work options.
· Compensation: Higher pay and better benefits.
· Culture Fit: Alignment with company values and leadership.
The Bottom Line
While 2025 might see employers with more leverage, attracting top talent still demands a competitive and thoughtful approach. The best professionals seek not just any job but a position that offers growth, flexibility, and a sense of value.
RETS Associates is here to guide CRE firms through these hiring challenges, connecting them with the industry’s top talent. If you’re aiming to build a stellar team in 2025, let’s connect.
